Pakistani authorities have proudly installed a statue of Punjab's first Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. The unveiling ceremony was graced by Sikh pilgrims from India, according to Radio Pakistan.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The Lion of Punjab
Ranjit Singh, known as the "Lion of Punjab," was a formidable leader and founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. He ruled from 1801 until his death in 1839, uniting various Sikh factions and establishing a powerful kingdom across the Punjab region of modern-day India and Pakistan.
His leadership, military skills, and efforts to unify Punjab under Sikh rule have left an enduring legacy, making him a revered figure within the Sikh community.
Installation Ceremony at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib
“The statue of Punjab’s first Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, has been permanently installed at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib,” reported Radio Pakistan.
Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with officials from the Project Management Unit Kartarpur and Sikh pilgrims from India, attended the installation ceremony.
This significant event also coincided with the presence of Sikh pilgrims from various countries in Pakistan to commemorate Ranjit Singh’s 185th death anniversary on Saturday in Lahore. Arora highlighted the importance of protecting the statue while addressing the gathering.
Historical Significance of the Statue
Ranjit Singh’s nine-foot-tall bronze statue was previously installed at Lahore Fort, where it faced vandalism in 2020 and 2021.
The establishment of the Kartarpur Corridor by Pakistan, a visa-free border crossing, facilitates Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life.
The installation of the statue at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib signifies a renewed effort to honor and preserve Sikh heritage and history.
