The statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Sikh ruler of Punjab, has been permanently installed at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.
The statue, which had been housed at the gurdwara for the past year, now stands as a symbol of Sikh heritage and history.
The installation ceremony was attended by Punjab's Minister for Minority Affairs and Chairman of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. Officials from the PMU Kartarpur and Sikh pilgrims from India were also present to witness this momentous occasion.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted the significance of the statue, stating, "The restored statue has been installed at Kartarpur Sahib so that Sikh pilgrims and general tourists from the Kartarpur Corridor and around the world can view it." He stressed the importance of protecting and preserving the statue for future generations.
In his remarks, Arora also revealed plans for the restoration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's samadhi in Lahore, which is set to commence soon. This initiative is part of broader efforts to preserve and honor the rich Sikh heritage in the region.
The statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a prominent figure in Sikh history, serves as a reminder of his legacy and contributions to the Sikh community and Punjab. The permanent installation at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is expected to attract a large number of visitors, both from within Pakistan and internationally, fostering a deeper appreciation of Sikh culture and history.
The Kartarpur Corridor, which connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India to the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, has been a symbol of peace and religious harmony since its opening. The installation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's statue further reinforces the corridor's significance as a bridge between communities and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sikh faith.