LAHORE, June 29, 2011: The members of Sikh community from around the world Wednesday observed 172nd death anniversary of first Sikh emperor of greater Punjab, late Maharaja Ranjit Singh and paid rich tributes to him. The mount of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is located in the complex of Gurdwara Dera Sahib.
Remembered as Sher-e-Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born on November 13, 1780 and died on June 20, 1839.He was crowned on April 12, 1801 and he ruled till death.
The Sikh leaders hailed the secular values maintained by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during his rule which is described golden era of Punjab. Addressing the congregation, Pritpal Singh co-ordinator of American Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee(AGPC) said that Guru Nanak Dev ji had started reform movement which brought an ehtical change in the society in South Asia. He said that the process of change culminated with tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh ji. He said that foundation of Khalsa Raj and Guru Granth Sahib were major achievements of Khalsa Raj which began with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave a secular look to his government. Though ratio of Sikhs was merely 7 percent, all communities lived with harmony in his rule. Maharaj Ranjit Singh ended the capital punishment and presented a model governance.
Pritpal Singh said that the powers which were responsible for end of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's rule are again active to harm the Sikh cause. He called upon Sikhs to identify anti-Sikh powers and work unitedly for achieving Khalsa Raj.
Bhai Mastan Singh former President of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee(PSGPC) complimented the Pakistan Government for maintaining important Sikh shrines and memorials. He said that the birth place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the historical Haveli in Gujjrawalan must be restored and handed over to Sikhs. Bhai Bishan Singh President of PSGPC thanked the Sikhs for coming to Pakistan to observe Maharaja Ranjit Singh anniversary.
A jatha of SGPC, the members of Bhai Mardana Society and Khalra Mission Committee also attended the function. The Hazoori Ragi Jatha of Darbar Sahib Bhair Gurpreet Singh recited Gurbani Kirtan after the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path.