MAY 26: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary visited the historic Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi located in Rainawari, Srinagar, earlier. During his visit, he paid his respects at the revered site, which holds significant religious value for the Sikh community. The Deputy CM was warmly welcomed by the members of the District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) and devotees who had gathered for the occasion.
Choudhary engaged in a meaningful interaction with DGPC members, listening to their concerns and the pressing issues faced by the Sikh community in the region. Prominent among these demands was the call for official recognition of two major Sikh religious days — the Parkash Utsav of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and the Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji — as public holidays in the Union Territory. The Deputy CM acknowledged the significance of these spiritual observances and assured the gathering that he would take up the matter with the appropriate authorities to work towards a favorable resolution.
In his address, Choudhary emphasized the need to preserve the rich cultural and religious heritage of Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse communities. He expressed his deep reverence for Sikh teachings and values, highlighting their message of peace, service, and resilience. The Deputy CM also took the opportunity to pray for lasting peace, communal harmony, and prosperity across the region.
During the visit, community leaders shared various other administrative and developmental concerns related to the upkeep of Gurudwaras and the welfare of the Sikh population in Kashmir. Choudhary assured them of his continued support and cooperation in resolving these matters through collaborative governance.
The visit was marked by a spirit of unity and respect as local Sikhs appreciated the Deputy CM’s outreach and his willingness to address longstanding demands. His gesture was seen as a positive step toward inclusive governance and recognition of the contributions made by the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event concluded with collective prayers and expressions of hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for all communities in the region, reaffirming the importance of interfaith harmony and cultural respect.
