CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Announces Establishment of World-Class Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur University in Anandpur Sahib

In a landmark announcement marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday declared that a world-class university named after the revered ninth Sikh Guru will be established in Anandpur Sahib. The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the government-organised Sarv Dharam Sammelan at Guru Ka Bagh, Baba Budha Dal Cantonment.

A day after officially declaring Sri Anandpur Sahib as a “holy city” in a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Mann said the upcoming university would serve as an international centre for excellence in education, research, and interfaith dialogue. He noted that the initiative draws inspiration from Guru Tegh Bahadur’s enduring legacy of human rights, peace, and sacrifice.

“Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji laid down his life defending the right to faith and freedom. Establishing a world-class university in his name is the least we can do to inspire future generations with his teachings,” Mann said while addressing the gathering from the sacred land founded by the Guru.

The Chief Minister emphasised that his government aims to elevate Anandpur Sahib as both a spiritual capital and a hub of global learning. He added that this announcement is part of a broader roadmap for the infrastructural, cultural, and educational uplift of the historic town. “More developmental decisions will follow in harmony with the sentiments of the devotees who visit the birthplace of the Khalsa,” he assured.

The Sarv Dharam Sammelan, a multi-faith gathering organised as part of week-long commemorations, brought together saints, scholars, spiritual leaders, and thousands of devotees. The event highlighted Guru Tegh Bahadur’s message of universal brotherhood, human dignity, and communal harmony.

Addressing the Sammelan, AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal praised the Guru’s unparalleled sacrifice, calling it a unique chapter in world history. “Guru Tegh Bahadur taught the world that defending freedom of faith is a universal duty. His ideals of humanity and justice continue to guide us even after 350 years,” Kejriwal said.

Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for placing Anandpur Sahib at the centre of the historic celebrations. He said declaring Anandpur Sahib a holy city and establishing a university named after Guru Tegh Bahadur were long-standing demands of the region. “These decisions will open new avenues for development while preserving the spiritual legacy of the Guru’s city,” Bains remarked.

Hosted by the Baba Budha Dal Nihang sect at Guru Ka Bagh, the Sammelan reaffirmed messages of peace, unity, and interfaith respect.

With today’s announcement, the Punjab Government concluded the commemorative events on a momentous note, laying the foundation for transformative educational and cultural growth in Anandpur Sahib.