Fatehgarh Sahib-Paying homage to the supreme sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Mata Gujri Ji, and under the directions of Shiromani Akali Dal President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Youth Akali Dal, under the leadership of its President S. Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer, organised a two-day “Meri Dastaar, Meri Shaan” — Dastaar da Langar (free turban-tying camp) at the historic shrine of Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. The camp was organised jointly by the District Akali Dal Fatehgarh Sahib and the Youth Wing, and concluded with great devotion, enthusiasm and success. Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, specially attended the programme.
During the two-day camp, more than 1, 500 devotees — including children, youth, elders, women and members of all sections of the sangat — were tied turbans. A large number of young people and children participated with great enthusiasm.
While visiting the camp, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj interacted with the sangat and appreciated the initiative of the Youth Akali Dal. He said that the turban is an inseparable symbol of Sikh identity, and such initiatives play a vital role in connecting the younger generation with Sikh history, faith and heritage.
Jathedar Gargajj especially praised the efforts being made by the Youth Akali Dal, stating that organising initiatives like “Meri Dastaar, Meri Shaan” under the leadership of S. Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer is highly commendable and plays an important role in strengthening the bond of the younger generation with Sikh values.
He said such initiatives are not limited merely to tying turbans, but also help instil in young minds a deep sense of Sikh history, sacrifice, dignity and self-respect.
Jathedar Gargajj further remarked that S. Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer has fulfilled his responsibility not only as a political leader but also as a responsible Sikh youth leader by working to connect the younger generation with Sikh history, the turban and Sikh maryada.
He added that the “Meri Dastaar, Meri Shaan” campaign is not a one-day or one-year initiative, but a continuous and long-running movement being carried out by the Youth Akali Dal for several years. Through this campaign, thousands of youth and children have been connected with Sikh identity, which is highly praiseworthy.
He said that such camps are not merely events, but represent an ongoing thought process and movement that strengthens the spirit of self-respect, unity and chardi kala within the Sikh community. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj expressed hope that the Youth Akali Dal would continue organising such camps with the same spirit in the future and further expand this mission of connecting the youth with Sikh values.
On this occasion, Youth Akali Dal President S. Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer said that the camp was organised in remembrance of the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji, who endured unimaginable atrocities at a very young age but never wavered from their faith, beliefs and Sikh principles, ultimately attaining martyrdom. He said their sacrifices are eternal guiding lights in Sikh history, inspiring generations with the values of truth, patience and self-respect.
Jhinjer said that Sri Fatehgarh Sahib is a sacred land in Sikh history where the greatest sacrifices were made for faith and principles. The main objective of organising this camp at such a holy place was to reconnect the youth with their Sikh roots, educate them about the importance of the turban, Sikh history and heritage, and inspire them to proudly embrace their Sikh identity.
He added that their aim is not merely to tie turbans, but to strengthen within young minds the core Sikh principles of dignity, unity and sacrifice.
S. Jhinjer further said that it was a matter of great pride and happiness that a large number of daughters and sisters also tied turbans during the camp, reflecting that Sikh women too are embracing the proud tradition of the turban with confidence and honour.
He said that the Youth Akali Dal will continue to organise such religious, social and awareness-oriented programmes in the future to prevent the youth from drifting away and to reconnect them with their rich Sikh heritage.
At the conclusion, S. Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer expressed heartfelt gratitude to the entire Youth Akali Dal team, District Akali Dal Fatehgarh Sahib and all the volunteers for their tireless efforts in making the two-day camp a success, stating that this initiative was the result of collective teamwork.
On the occasion, Core Committee Member S. Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna, SGPC Member Jathedar Jasmer Singh Lachhru, District President S. Saranjeet Singh Chanathal, SGPC Member Avtar Singh Riya, former Chairman Baljit Singh Bhutta, Harpreet Singh Ritchie and Harbir Singh Dhaliwal were also present.