Haryana Government Committed to Development of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Memorial

February 28, 2026

Yamunanagar: The construction service of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial was formally inaugurated at Lohgarh in Yamunanagar district, the historic capital of the first Sikh state established by the immortal martyr Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

Following the recitation of Gurbani, an Ardas was offered, after which the Panj Pyare ceremonially laid five bricks to commence the construction amid resonant chants of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.”

Reflecting the spirit of universal brotherhood upheld during the times of the Guru Sahibans, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a learned Pandit from the Sanatan tradition also participated by laying a brick, further strengthening the foundation of mutual harmony.

The memorial has taken shape under the vision and guidance of the founder and chairman of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Foundation, Manohar Lal, whose foresight and commitment laid the blueprint for this historic initiative.

Former Haryana Minister and Foundation Trustee Kanwar Pal also laid a brick on the occasion, paying tribute to the martyrs. OSD Prabhleen Singh, Foundation Trustee Dr. Shiv Shankar Singh Pahwa, SGPC member Baldev Singh Kaimpuri, along with government officials, local villagers, and devotees from Bilaspur and Yamunanagar, participated in the ceremony and expressed their reverence.

Speaking on the occasion, Kanwar Pal said that it is essential to bring the legacy, struggles, and ideals of the Gurus and great personalities to the youth so that they may understand their true history and the sacrifices made for the nation, faith, and justice.

He stated that with the special efforts of Manohar Lal, the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Foundation Trust was established and has played a significant role in the development of this historically important memorial.

He added that the Haryana Government is committed to the development of the Lohgarh Memorial through the Foundation so that present and future generations can learn about the life, struggles, and martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

Highlighting the historical importance of Lohgarh, Kanwar Pal recalled that after the victory over Sirhind in 1710, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur proclaimed the first Sikh state, expelled the Mughals from Punjab, and declared Lohgarh as its capital.

From here, sovereign Sikh coinage and royal seals were issued, realizing the vision of Halemi Raj envisioned by Guru Nanak Dev ji and Guru Gobind Singh ji. He further noted that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was the first Sikh leader to shatter the myth of Mughal invincibility, establish Sikh rule south of the Sutlej River, govern in the name of the Khalsa, abolish the zamindari system, and allocate land to farmers, freeing them from feudal oppression.

Kanwar Pal also informed that several sites in Haryana are associated with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, underscoring the state’s deep historical connection with his legacy. He added that the government is ensuring that the lives of Gurus and great personalities are included in school textbooks so that the younger generation remains connected with its heritage.

Foundation Trustee and founding member S. S. Pahwa stated that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur established Lohgarh as the first capital of the Sikh state and that Union Minister Manohar Lal has made special efforts to place Lohgarh on the world map by prioritizing its development.

He shared that the development plan includes a museum on Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s life and unparalleled martyrdom, a martial arts academy, a community center, a replica statue, replicas of weapons and coins, and a light-and-sound programme based on his life.

Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included OSD to the Chief Minister of Haryana Prabhleen Singh, Trust members S. S. Pahwa and Baldev Singh Kaimpuri, SDM Bilaspur Jaspal Singh, former MLA Balwant Singh, Market Committee Chairman Vipin Singla, BJP District Media In-charge Kapil Manish Garg, Naib Tehsildars Ravinder Singh and Kuldeep Singh, BDPO Vyaspur Shyamlal, Chairman Thatt Singh, and several other distinguished guests.