Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to Jalandhar for Guru Ravidas’s 649th jayanti has sparked widespread excitement across Punjab. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a Cabinet Minister in the Delhi government, captured the mood perfectly: ‘The entire Punjab is waiting with bated breath for PM Modi’s visit.’
In interactions with journalists, Sirsa emphasized the Prime Minister’s longstanding connection with the saint and the region’s populace. Preparations are complete, ensuring a smooth and grand welcome. The PM’s itinerary includes landing at Adampur Airport, from where he will proceed to key locations.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a proactive step by urging the renaming of Adampur Airport in honor of Guru Ravidas via a social media post. This proposal reflects the deep cultural significance of the saint, whose bhakti poetry continues to inspire social harmony.
A highlight of the visit will be PM Modi’s meeting with Sant Niranjan Das at Dera Sachkhand Ballan, one of Punjab’s most influential religious institutions in the Doaba area. Situated in Ballan village, just 13 km from Jalandhar, the dera is a beacon for devotees, led by the Padma Shri recipient.
On February 1, Modi will remotely unveil the Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana, a game-changer for the state’s connectivity. Certified with international codes and ready for major aircraft operations, it will kick off with Delhi-bound flights from Air India and Vistara. The event will see participation from top dignitaries like Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and various lawmakers.
This airport development is set to transform Punjab’s economy by attracting investments, generating employment, and providing relief to overburdened airports. Ludhiana’s thriving industries will gain a vital lifeline, enhancing trade and tourism prospects.
These events come at a time when Punjab is balancing its rich spiritual heritage with modern ambitions. PM Modi’s engagements promise to strengthen communal bonds while propelling infrastructure forward, offering a vision of inclusive progress.