Bhai Veer Singh’s Amritsar was a city of gardens & good values

Amritsar, June 28 ( Punjab Post Bureau)-  A session on Bhai Veer Singh and his environmental legacy and value system was organised at his Niwas Sthaan late yesterday evening by EcoAmritsar in collaboration with Naad Pargaas. A host of intellectuals, both PHD students from the University, as well as scholars from far and near participated in the event in continuation of AFD 2014 celebrations. The chosen venue Bhai Veer Singh Niwas Sthaan brought about many nostalgic memories of Amritsar. It was pointed out that the city was enriched  with many gardens, including Guru ka Bagh, Ramanand da Bagh, Rani ka Bagh, Sakatri Bagh, etc. as well as many pear orchards throughout the city. Many of these have  been lost to our ever expanding developmental footprint, and are no more than a concrete jungle.

Bhai Veer Singh developed his orchards and garden at Lawrence Road painstakingly. Prof. Puran Singh’s advice was sought regarding suitability of trees and flora for Punjab, and many saplings brought from Dehradoon and elsewhere. The garden provided the poet and philosopher enough fragrant flowers, choicest of which were carried by him in two bouquets every dawn, to be place before Guru Granth sahib at the Golden Temple. The practice is carried out by the Sthaan management to this day. The garden has now been converted back to health through organic inputs in collaboration with Dilbir Foundation. The fruit  production has grown manifold this season and the old trees are thriving. It was concluded that the legacy of Bhai Veer Singh is deeply connected to his enriching contributions in literature, culture, poetry, spiritual and environmental wisdom, and youth must be reconnected to these good values which were a major strength to this great city.

Dr. HS Bedi presided over the conclave. Among the scholars, Prof. Jagdish Singh, Prof. Sarbjot Behl, Dr. Baldev Singh Kang, Prin. Suba Singh, Dr. Gurnam Kaur Bedi explored the realms of the saint poet, along with researchers and city leading lights . Said, Gunbir Singh, Chairman EcoAmritsar, “Bhai Veer Singh’s Amritsar was eutopic. A natural and spiritual paradise that inspired his writings in which he documented many aesthetic aspects of the city and its values. It is an Amritsar to again aspire for, and work towards.”