The Holy city of Amritsar evinces deep devotion not only from its residents, but also from the entire international Punjabi Diaspora. EcoAmritsar, a city-based NGO, is all set to host several activities to mark the 438th anniversary of Amritsar’s foundation.
The city was established by the fourth Sikh Master, Guru Ram Dass and came to be known as Chak Ram Dass. This year many programmes have been planned by various organisations for celebrations.
A procession shall be flagged off by Jathedar Akal Takht Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh. Students, residents, environment and sanitation teams that care for the city will take part in this procession. The procession, which will be organised by EcoAmritsar and its stakeholders, shall begin from the Golden Temple and culminate in a public meeting at the historic Ram Bagh.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee shall organise samagams and kathas attributed to the 438th year of the city. NCC, schools, colleges, business houses, NGO’s, malls and media houses are also planning events for the day. Specific mention needs to be made of Indian Academy of Fine Arts sculpture exhibition, WWF nature walks for specially enabled persons, Kesh Sambhaal Parchaar Sanstha’s seminar on Amritsar a beautiful city), VOA installing dustbins, Nishad Entertainers cleanliness drive, Dilbir Foundation’s Namita Jaspal, who give presentation on the Golden Temple restoration work, are some of the proposed activities, which will mark the Foundation Day.
Students of Millennium School shall participate in programmes, besides making arrangements for various events. Big FM is partnering the audio media space enthusiastically.
Said Gunbir Singh, chairman EcoAmritsar, said “The city is the cultural capital of Punjab, the religious hub of Sikh faith, and a source of spiritual solace to mankind. Celebrating its foundation day and honouring its values is our privilege.” Tarundeep Singh, project adminstrator, EcoAmritsar, has sought widespread participation for the event. He said, “We also anticipate that various organisations are working on programmes across the week preceding the event. Our focus shall be on the environment and sanitation.”
EcoSikh president, Dr Rajwant Singh, expressed his satisfaction on the expression of diaspora’s interest foundation day celebrations. He said building the sustaining capacities of Amritsar, and holistic improvement of the quality of the holy city was an area of global concern. “Amritsar Foundation Day provides us an opportunity to celebrate, and yet revisit our concerns for our beloved city,” he added.
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Eco Amritsar, An Initiative of EcoSikh, in Action
Three years ago, EcoSikh started the celebration of Amritsar Foundation Day to mark the day when Guru Ramdas ji laid the foundation of this sacred city 438 years ago. The effort was to engage residents and stakeholders of the city to take pride and responsibility to make the city sustainable and green. Hundreds of residents have come out to join this movement and they have become active to restore the glory of this historical city. Amritsar is the center of Sikhism and over 100,000 visitors and pilgrims visit this sacred town every day. EcoAmritsar initiative will continue to inspire citizens and devotees to take action.
Tarundeep Singh is the program administrator of EcoAmritsar who coordinates all efforts on behalf of EcoSikh in Amritsar. Formerly a college professor, he is now fully dedicated to inspiring youth and adults to join this effort. Amritsar Foundation Day (AFD) is one way to enroll many to join this endeavor.
Why
Amritsar? It is the center of Sikhism and it provides us an
opportunity to show how our faith inspires us to care for
nature.
(The city has severe challenges - No solid
waste management program, a sanitation problem, minimal public
transportation with 65 thousands three wheelers spewing out
harmful gases, no water conservation or recycling program,
groundwater depletion, green coverage depletion, and an increasing
number of visitors has also put pressure on the natural resources of
the city)
Projects started by Eco Amritsar:
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Tree Plantation - Recently over 450 trees planted including 100 mature banyan trees at key locations in the city.
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Increasing Green Spaces - Various institutions have taken upon themselves to increase green spaces
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Engaging Youth - Youth of all backgrounds joining in plantation, water projects and cleaning Drive.
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Bringing together Interfaith leadership - Institutions of all religions have joined effortsEnrolling educational Institutions. Bird houses were installed at various places like church, mosque and mandir.
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Inspiring Businesses - focal point business district of the city is being turned into green through networking with business leaders.
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Cleanliness Drive around Holy sites - EcoSikh donated for a bus to Baba Kulwant Singhhelping in his efforts of volunteers cleaning sites around Golden Temple.
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Advocacy with City and Civic leaders - Regular networking and working with international forums like the World Bank to draw a green plan for the city.
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Awareness Through Art - Working with various artists, painters and actors to inspire and help the awareness drive about the ecology of the city.
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Green Celebrations - Gurpurab, Christmas, Eid and Diwali - working with all communities to make each celebration as green as possible in the city.
This week while the city is gearing for a major celebration of Amritsar Foundation Day on Sunday, June 14, EcoAmritsar team is engaging city youth, various stakeholders, city administration, and businesses for cleanliness effort - Way to show that we take pride in Amritsar and it is our responsibility!
See pictures below of a major city spot being cleaned two days ago:
"Keep the Sanctuary or Rest (Amritsar) clean"
