LAHORE:
The Punjab government has launched an initiative to restore historical sites of Sijs and Hindu religious in Gujranwala and Wazirabad.
The sites include Tomri Mandir, Jain Mandir, Ranjit Singh Museum and Dhonkal Baoli, which will open to faithful, citizens and tourists to show the diverse cultural and religious heritage of the region.
The Provincial Secretary of Tourism, Archeology and Museums, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, said Gujranwala is known as the “City of Heritage” and the Government plans to keep the monuments and establish new museums and galleries.
The Gujranwala Museum building is expected to be completed in January, with preparations for exhibitions to conclude in March to formally open the facilities in April.
The director of Archeology, Hassan Ali, described the projects as “stories of our shared past”, pointing out the Tomri mandir inspired by Mogol, the bonds of the Jain Mandir with the Jainism and the role of the Ranjit Singh Museum in the preservation of the legacy of the SIJ empire. Dhonkal Baoli, he added, once was a vital source of water and a social center.
Stwant Kaur, general secretary of the Parbandhak committee of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara, said the restoration will promote interreligious harmony and global recognition of Punjab’s inheritance.
