By Jatinderpal Singh
The full/half-page advertisements in newspapers, if not anything else, at least help publications stay afloat. The survival of newspapers depends significantly on government advertisements, which also keep them in line - a delicate balance that requires careful navigation. This dynamic is inherent to modern governance and the business of journalism, where the thin line between editorial independence and sponsored content must be treaded carefully to avoid earning labels that are hard to shed.
The full-page advertisement in the newspaper, soliciting suggestions from the public to celebrate the 450th foundation day of Shri Amritsar Sahib and the 350th Martyrdom Day of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur ji via WhatsApp, email, etc., raises questions about the government's intentions. Is this a genuine attempt to revive participatory democratic governance, or just another exercise in doling out largesse in the form of advertisements? For those unfamiliar with the government's modus operandi, it sparks doubts about whether there's a system in place to collect, collate, and draw meaningful inferences from the suggestions received. Or is it merely an exercise in self-aggrandizement, a pattern often attributed to elected governments that spend disproportionately on propaganda and advertising? The common perception among the masses is that for every rupee spent on actual development, five rupees are spent on propaganda and self-promotion, leaving many to wonder about the true purpose behind such initiatives.
Let's give the government the benefit of the doubt and assume this initiative is a genuine attempt to tap into the public's collective wisdom. As we ponder what Shri Amritsar was meant to be, what it has become, and what it can become, the possibilities are endless. A kaleidoscope of suggestions, innovative ideas, and grand plans will likely emerge. But the real test lies in the execution – the budget allocated, the final plan chosen, and the impact it leaves on the city. This will be the defining legacy of the Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann government, a lasting impression that will be etched in the annals of the state's history. Whether intended or not, the actions, decisions, omissions and commissions shape the legacy of the government, leaving behind a trail of memories – good, bad, or somewhere in between. Only time will tell if this government's initiatives will be remembered as a watershed moment or a missed opportunity.
Amritsar's rich history began in 1574 when Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, laid the foundation of the town, on land purchased from the village of Tung for 700 rupees, generously funded by donations from the Sikh community. The area, once a verdant forest dotted with lakes, was transformed into a thriving settlement. Initially known as Guru Da Chakk or Ramdaspur, the city finds mention in the revered Shri Guru Granth Sahib, highlighting its spiritual significance. Guru Ram Das ji's vision for the city was a thriving commercial and Spiritual center where the community could practice and flourish.
Hence it included inviting 52 traders from nearby towns to set up shops, resulting in the establishment of the first 32 shops in what is now famously known as Batisi Hatta. This early settlement laid the foundation for Amritsar's growth into a bustling urban center, with the Guru himself shifting to live among them, fostering a sense of community and encouraging growth. As the city flourished, its reputation as a hub of commerce and spirituality spread, attracting people from far and wide. The seeds of Amritsar's future prosperity were sown in these early days, and its legacy as a city of great historical and cultural significance continues to endure.
The primary purpose of founding Amritsar was to establish a central hub for community, serving as a place for worship, community gatherings, and spiritual growth. At its heart was a visionary plan for a man-made pool, which Guru Ram Das brought to life by excavating the pool ( sarovar) The city derived its name from this sacred pool, Amritsar literally meaning "the pool of nectar". The Guru's invitation to merchants and artisans from across the country facilitated Amritsar's economic and cultural development, transforming it into a thriving urban center. The construction of the iconic Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) by Guru Arjan Dev, completed around 1604, further solidified Amritsar's role as a revered religious center. Located on an island in the sacred pool and connected by a causeway, the Darbar Sahib became a focal point for Sikh faith, housing the Guru Granth Sahib, which was installed in 1604. As the city grew, it was financed by donations and built by volunteers, reflecting the community's involvement and commitment. At the core of Amritsar's identity is the spirit of community collaboration and cooperation, a testament to the power of collective effort and shared vision.
The theme of celebrating and commemorating the 450th Foundation Day has to be in consonance with the founding ideals of the city. Let's be honest in accepting the fact that the city is nowhere remotely near the ideals it should be. Though the city is famous worldwide for the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), which of late is identified as the holiest Shrine of the Sikh community only, against the principle of universalism and brotherhood as mentioned in Shri Guru Granth Sahib through inclusion of hymns of saints of all communities and religion irrespective of religion, creed, and caste. As such, the stake in the city should be of all Panjabis and residents of the city without association to religion specific.
Those who have seen Rome, Vatican City, and Mecca can compare and contemplate where we stand. I can vouch that the city is nowhere near Jerusalem and Istanbul, cities associated with world' s prominent religions and culture .
The city is the spiritual and cultural source head of the Panjabi community, which takes pride in its culture, spiritualism, and ideals of welfare. We would be honest enough to admit what we have done to the city - no clean air, no clean water, no infrastructure. The city nowhere embodies the spirit, symbolism, and pride that Punjabis identify with.
The importance of the City to other communities and religions is reinforced by the location of Ram Tirath, about 11 km west of Amritsar. It holds significant importance beyond its association with the Valmiki community. This ancient pilgrimage site is believed to be the location of Sage Valmiki's hermitage, where Sita found refuge during her exile and gave birth to her sons, Luv and Kush. As such the site's historical and mythological relevance extends to other communities and religions, as well .
The theme for commemorating and celebrating the 450 th foundation day of the city has to be "Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat" (ਪਵਣੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਤਾ ਮਾਤਾ ਧਰਤਿ ਮਹਤੁ) developing the city into a world-class center in line with its status. The city should be declared a Holy City in the state assembly, and guidelines and principles of a Holy City should be laid down. Before the bidi cigarette brigade, who claim "we will smoke and live in glory, " jumps to opposing the idea, let it be known that they would likely oppose it merely for the sake of opposition, rather than genuinely considering the well-being of their progeny.
"Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat" translates to "Wind is the Guru, Water is the father, and the Earth is the great mother." This theme emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and respecting the elements that sustain life
Declaring Amritsar a Holy City could promote environmental conservation, sustainable development, and cultural preservation.
By embracing the principles of "Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat, " Amritsar can become a model for sustainable development and cultural harmony.