Amritsar Foundation Day (AFD) to be celebrated on July 2

Amritsar, June 30 (Punjab Post Bureau)- EcoAmritsar, an initiative of Washington based EcoSikh, is all set to host several activities to mark the 439th anniversary of Amritsar’s foundation. Four years ago Eco Amritsar started the celebrating AFD, to commemorate the city’s establishment by the fourth Sikh Master, Guru Ram Dass. The effort was to engage residents and stakeholders of the city, and for them to take pride and responsibility in its wellbeing & sustainability.  This year’s celebration will start with a March for Amritsar. Participants shall be interfaith leaders, city officials, students, residents, business representatives and NGO’s. The procession will start at 6 AM from Santokhsar Sahib and will culminate in a public meeting at the historic Ram Bagh Gardens. The focus of the march is threefold- To encourage reforestation & creation of green spaces, To foster water conservation & recycling, To work towards a clean, garbage free city. SGPC is organising special programs for AFD. Kirtan on July 2 will be dedicated to this day, special plantation drive at all historical sites under its governance.  A special discourse on July 1 and July 2 will be  attributed to the 439th year of the city. NCC, schools, colleges, business houses, NGO’s, malls and media houses are also planning events for the day. Bhai Gur Iqbal Singh with his large following in the city is planning special events to mark the day. Students of various institutions shall participate in program, besides making arrangements for various events. Big FM is partnering the audio media space enthusiastically. EcoSikh president, Dr Rajwant Singh, expressed “It is joyful to see that residents of the city are enthusiastic to express their sense of ownership of the city and ultimately that will be a huge determining factor in making sure that Amritsar becomes sustainable. It is equally important that all pilgrims who visit the city for holy purpose view this entire space and its natural resources like water and air with reverence.” Gunbir Singh, head of Eco Amritsar, said, “over the years, hundreds of residents have come out to join this program. Many organisations have adopted models of greenification, tree plantation, zero garbage processions & events,  and other measures to restore the glory of this historical city. Amritsar is a spiritual centre and hosts over 35 million pilgrims & tourists. We hope that these efforts ultimately inspire citizens and visitors to be mindful of the city’s ecology and preserve it for future generations.”