Jalandhar, June 21 (IANS) Affirming that Punjab not only “protects India’s borders but also safeguards the soul of India”, BJP President Nitin Nabin on Sunday said bringing the state out of the present crisis and making it secure, prosperous and strong is the core agenda of the BJP.

He was interacting with saints and spiritual leaders from across the state at the Sant Sammelan in Jalandhar.

“Punjab is not merely a state; it is the land of the Gurus’ teachings, the penance of saints, and the blood of martyrs. It represents a living tradition of service, dedication and sacrifice,” he said.

Saying Punjab is currently grappling with the menace of drugs, the BJP chief appealed to every gurdwara committee, ashram, dera head and temple committee to take a pledge to help people come out of addiction.

He added that it has been India’s tradition for saints to guide society. “If all religious organisations come forward, no force can stop Punjab’s situation from changing.”

Nitin Nabin said the Sikh tradition “gives the message of ‘Na no bairi, nahi begana’ (no one is an enemy, no one is a stranger). This is the true spirit of Punjab, and this is the true spirit of India”. He said Guru Nanak Dev taught all humanity the values of unity and equality.

“This land bears witness to the penance of Guru Arjan Dev and bows to the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It carries the immortal message of the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh, the unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, and Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all).”

The BJP chief, who is on a three-day visit to the state, said: “Every grain of Punjab’s soil reminds us that a nation is not sustained merely by power; it is shaped by the values imparted by saints, and the soul of India resides in them”.

Nitin Nabin further said rulers may change, but the soul of India has never changed. “Whenever society has gone astray, saints have shown the right path. Whenever darkness increased, saints lit the lamp of hope, and whenever divisions arose in society, saints worked to unite people.”

He said Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas (together with all, development for all, trust of all, efforts by all) is “our pledge, embodying the great principle of Sarbat da Bhala. We want to provide Punjab with a governance model where every religion, every sect, every dera and every community moves forward with equal dignity and respect”.

He promised a Punjab where there “is peace in society, brotherhood among people, and where the hands of the youth hold education and employment, not drugs”.

“This appeal is not political. As a humble servant, I stand before all of you saints seeking your guidance so that we can build a Punjab where the teachings of Nanak resonate, where society is shaped by the principles of Guru Ravidas, where the dignity of Maharishi Valmiki is upheld, and where the sacrifice of Baba Jiwan Singh inspires the youth,” the BJP chief added.

–IANS

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