Pakistan’s Punjab government announced the reinstallation of a restored Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s statue, the founder of the Sikh Empire, at Kartarpur Sahib. The reinstallation, scheduled for June 26th, is expected to be attended by local and Indian Sikhs.
In a significant move, Pakistan has decided to reinstall Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s statue at Kartarpur Sahib. This decision has been met with widespread appreciation, particularly among the Sikh community worldwide. Tomorrow June 26th, 2024 is a historic day when the statue will be reinstalled.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, is a revered figure in Sikh history. His reign is remembered for its justice, secularism, and protection of religious freedoms. The statue, which captures his legacy, holds immense emotional and historical value for Sikhs.
Kartarpur Sahib, located in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. It is the place where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life. The Kartarpur Corridor opened in 2019, allowing Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit this sacred site without a visa.
The statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was first installed at Lahore Fort in November 2020. However, it was vandalized by some extremists in August 2021, causing significant distress among the Sikh community. The act of vandalism was widely condemned, and calls for the statue’s restoration grew louder.
More Steps Towards Religious Harmony
Moreover, Pakistan’s decision to reinstall the statue is seen as a positive step towards promoting religious harmony and respecting the sentiments of the Sikh community. It reflects Pakistan’s commitment to preserving the heritage and honoring the contributions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The news has been welcomed by Sikh leaders and organizations around the world. They see it as a gesture of goodwill and a step towards strengthening ties between Pakistan and the Sikh community. The reinstallation is expected to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Sahib.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, ruled the northnorthwest Indian subcontinent in the early 19th century with Lahore as his headquarters. 455 Sikhs from India, arrived last week to participate in festivities commemorating Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniversary. The pilgrims will also be present at Kartarpur Sahib on Wednesday for the statue’s unveiling.