SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB, MAY 7 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann began a four-day “Shukrana Yatra” on Wednesday to offer prayers of gratitude following the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026. The Chief Minister initiated the journey at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa, where he sought blessings for the peace and prosperity of the state.
The new legislation introduces significantly harsher penalties for the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Chief Minister Mann affirmed that the law serves as a vital shield for the sanctity of the faith, ensuring that those who attempt to disturb communal harmony face life imprisonment. He stated that the act of sacrilege has historically been a tool used by conspirators to fracture the brotherhood of Punjab, but the new legal framework would act as a definitive deterrent.
“My heart is indebted to the Almighty for bestowing upon me the opportunity to serve humanity through the enactment of this historic legislation,” the Chief Minister asserted while addressing the gathering. He maintained that the responsibility of passing such a law was a divine assignment rather than a political achievement. He declared that he considers himself a humble servant chosen to fulfill a long-standing demand of the global Sikh community.
The Chief Minister noted that previous administrations had seen various political parties in power since Independence, yet none had taken the initiative to pass such stringent measures. He stated that the lack of political will in the past had left the sentiments of the people bruised. He further noted that opposition to the law often stems from those whose interests are aligned with individuals responsible for past incidents.
The yatra is scheduled to visit several significant religious sites, including Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Damdama Sahib, and Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, before culminating at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on May 9. Accompanying the Chief Minister, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other officials joined the prayers for “Sarbat da Bhala” (the welfare of all).
