”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

438th

Amritsar Foundation Day (14th

June, 2015)- A Report

Executive Summary:

In the past year the effort of Eco-Amritsar along with the various stakeholders of this beautiful city have been focused on

achievement of the goal of a cleaner and greener city by following the self set motto of “Amritsar: My City, My Pride,

My Responsibility”. The other concerted effort has been to stay true to the effort of being an advocator as opposed to

taking on the responsibility head on. It is heartwarming that many new stakeholders and more importantly individuals

from the young of the city have shown brilliant dedication and understanding of the motto. The Clarion call by Shri.

Narender Modi, Prime Minister of India to create a “Swacch Bharat” surely has given an impetus to our efforts. Team

Eco-Amritsar is forever indebted to Sikh Spirit Foundation, Alliance of Religions and Conservation and all the individuals

and organization who either guide us or stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our endeavor.

2015 Amritsar Foundation Day (AFD)

The day when Sri Guru Ram Das Ji founded the city in 1577, Harr Vadi 13, this year fell on 14th June. Eco-Amritsar was

able to initiate the celebration of this event with participation of various city based organizations like last year.

Eco-Amritsar along with Guru Nanak naam leva sangat from about 180 Countries all over the world has been putting

sincere efforts to make a positive impact on the ecological health of this city through participation of the citizen (the

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

strength of our effort). We have been getting all the possible support by the local citizen to the humble strides that Eco-

Amritsar has been making since its active participation since July 2013.

The challenges to its cleanliness, health and hygiene are many, more so because the city now gets upward of 100,000

pilgrims on week days alone. To address the growing ecological needs of the city, there is a need for all citizens as well as

visitors to be responsible in using the natural resources of the city. Stake holders like religious bodies, NGO’s,

Administration, Citizens, press etc. contributed and accepted the thought of Eco Amritsar as a project for common good.

92.7 Big FM which is the largest heard FM Radio of the City started spreading the news of the upcoming event by the

way of dedicated jingles and ongoing Quiz competition about the ecological state of affairs of the city. It was noteworthy

that this year we had a huge munber of groups and individuals sharing their plans and congratulatory messages about the

Amritsar Foundation day on the platforms like Facebook.

This year the programs were spread over a period of 10 days as produced below.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

June 5, 2015, Friday

10 AM- 1 PM: World Environment Day celebrations and official announcement of AFD 2015

Venue: Chief Khalsa Diwan International College of Nursing, Jhabhal Road, Asr

The 438th Amritsar Foundation Day was officially announced to the public world over on the auspicious occasion of the

World Environment Day. The celebrations were organized by Chief Khalsa Diwan International Nursing College, Jhabhal

Road, Amritsar. The students had gathered in the presence of august personalities like Dr. Santokh Singh and Dr. S.S.

Walia. S. Gunbir Singh, Chairman, Eco-Amritsar and S. Tarundeep Singh, Project Administrator, Eco-Amritsar made the

students aware of the conjoined activities of the institute as well as the management of Chief Khalsa Diwan. They were

also made aware of the vision of the project Eco-Amritsar and their support was sought. In the past also the students have

planted close to 120 trees on the campus to create a better environment. It was great to see that these plants are growing

well and are taken care of by the gardener and the Eco-club of the institution. Students presented skit and songs with an

environmental message.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

June 06, 2015, Saturday

6 PM to 7:30 PM: Presenting proposal for Energy audit of Baba Bohri Wala Gau Shala (Cow Shelter) by The Amritsar

Consultants.

Venue: Baba Bohri Wala Gau Shala (Cow Shelter), Lohgarh, Amritsar

The Baba Bohri Wala Gau Shala is one of the largest Cowsheds of the City. A big number of the citizens of the city

consider Cow to be a Holy Animal and hence a need for the stray cattle to be taken care of under organised societies

working as large cowsheds. The Baba Bohri wala Gau Shala has about 400 animals and the monthly electricity of this

cowshed is to the tune of Rs. 100,000/- approx. $ 1700. Visibly there were energy leakages and the team Eco-Amritsar

was able to bring the Gau Shala and Amritsar Consultants to work together on getting an Energy Audit of the Gau Shala

done so that these leakages could be minimised, ensuring optimal Energy usage. Capt. Ajay Verma, Amritsar consultants

offered to help the Gau Shala do the energy audit free of Charge (FOC). This is a beautiful example of stakeholders

working together. We are sure that the Baba Bohri Wala Gau Shala and other Cow sheds will benefit from such activity.

June 07, 2015, Sunday

9 AM -10 AM: Dustbin Installation by Voice Of Amritsar

Venue: Government Medical College, Amritsar

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

“Voice Of Amritsar” is a socially active NGO working in various areas concerning the Amritsar City. The members of

this organization are accomplished people who give time to the social issues of the city. In the past also VOA has been

actively involved with the efforts of Eco-Amritsar. This year, they dedicated the dustbin installation meant for the

Government Medical College to the 438th Amritsar Foundation Day. Various members of the civil society were present in

addition to the members of VOA. The prominent members of VOA were Dr. Rakesh Sharman, Mrs. Indu Aurora, Mr.

Seenu and Dr. Shubhkarman Kaur. The members of the student body and especially Dr. Prabh Simran Singh Boparai,

President thanked the efforts of the organization and promised all support for Environmental activities. In the past also Dr.

Boparai and his team of young doctors has been actively involved with Eco-Amritsar.

12 PM- 1 PM: Recognising responsible Citizen, Dr. Jagjeet Kaur, growing Orgnaic vegetables on her roof top.

Venue: Her residence, Guru Amar Dass Avenue, Airport Road, Amritsar

Dr. Jagjeet Kaur, A practising Doctor who has retired from the Government service is an ardent gardener. Due to the lack

of space she has been practicing roof top gardening. Being a responsible citizen, she has also taken a stride by segregating

the wet waste and dry waste at her home and the organic waste is converted into manure using the Eco-bins of ThrivEarth

showcasing a tried and tested method of recycle of household wet/organic garbage using pre fabricated compost bins

which have been designed keeping in mind the requirements of an Indian household and come in a pack of two

accompanied by a 200 ml bio remediation liquid which helps the process of creating liquid manure. This liquid manure is

the best nutrition that one can give to our plants. She happily showed various vegetables that she grows on her roof top.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

June 09, 2015, Tuesday

6: PM- 8:15 PM: Nature Walk by WWF- Students of Bibi Bhani Netarheen Istri Kirat Sikhlai Kendar, Chheharta,

Amritsar

Venue: Bhai Vir Singh Niwas, Lawrence Road, Amritsar

Bibi Bhani Netarheen Istri Kirat Sikhlai Kendar is a school of specially abled girls who live without the sense of sight.

This year the World Wide Fund (WWF) for nature decided to do something very interesting. The students of this

institution were invited to visit the house of Bhai Veer Singh ji, a scholar who has done so much for the Punjabi and Sikh

literature that in the land of Five rivers, he is called the Chhevan Dariya (the Sixth River). This house has a variety of

herbs, shrubs and trees from the time of Bhai Veer Singh ji and earlier and has many flowering as well as fruit bearing

trees and plants. In addition to having the students know about the personality, WWF arranged for the students to use their

sense of smell and touch to identify these trees and leaves. Another interesting activity planned for these students was to

use their sense of hearing to identify bird calls which were played to them on and audio system. This was a beautiful event

and had the students laughing and admiring the beauty of the Bhai Veer Singh Niwas Asthaan.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

June 10, 2015, Wednesday

9 AM- 2:00 PM: Seminar on “How to make Amritsar a Beautiful & Clean City” by Kes Sambhal Parchaar Sanstha

Venue: Khalsa College of Education, GT Road, Amritsar.

Kes Sambhal Parchaar Sanstha (KSPS) is an organization of repute which has been working on issues relevant to the Sikh

Diaspora. This year when team Eco-Amritsar approached them for partaking in the celebrations of the 438th Amritsar

Foundation day, S. SJS Paul who is a decorated retired bureaucrat and also President of KSPS immediately planned a

seminar titled “How to make Amritsar a Beautiful and Clean City”. Khalsa College of Education, a prominent educational

institute of teacher education of Amritsar did not just offer their premises for organizing the seminar; they ensured an

audience of students of Jamia Milia University and local students who are studying to become teachers of tomorrow. One

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

can only imagine the good that can be derived from motivated teachers. The esteemed speakers of the gathering were Dr.

P.S. Mahoora, Deptt. Of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Dr. Varinder Pal Singh, Punjab Agricultural

University, Ludhiana, S. Rajbir Singh, Pingalwara whereas the keynote address was delivered by Tarundeep Singh,

Project Administrator, Amritsar. The administration was represented by Sh. Pradeep Sabharwal, Deputy Commisioner

Amritsar, Sh, Sandeep Rishi, Chairman, Amritsar Improvement Trust, Sh. Bakhi Ram Arora, Mayor. They shared with

the audience the ongoing efforts of the administration in the direction of the Seminar and took the queries of the audience

too. It was a very fruitful session and KSPS has assured Eco-Amritsar for all support in the future.

June 11, 2015, Thursday

6:00 AM- 9:30 AM Massive Cleaning drive: Nishad Entertainers, Voice of Amritsar, Amritsar Sparkling Club, Thara

School of Art, Dj’s Den, Avaas Hotel with Municipal Corporation, Amritsar

Venue: Bombay Wala Khoo Dump, Amritsar

Planning and executing cleanliness drives is something that Eco-Amritsar started especially when executing Green Nagar

Kirtans. One of the things that the team always felt was the lack of initiative from the individuals and organizations. This

time around though, we were overwhelmed at the response that we received of the young brigade from various

organizations. After hearing about the upcoming 438th AFD Ms. Radhika from Nishad Entertainers got in touch with team

Eco-Amritsar about her plan to organize a massive cleanliness drive dedicated to the celebrations. She and her team of

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

volunteers worked with inputs from team Eco-Amrtisar where necessary to plan and execute a phenomenal cleanliness

drive. Close to 25 Tonnes of waste was removed from front of the Arya Girls School. Bombay Wala Khoo. The

stakeholders in this initiative were Municipal Corporation, Amritsar, Avaas lifestyle Hotel, 92.7 Big FM, Voice of

Amritsar, Thara School or Arts, Dj’s Den, Amritsar Sparkling club in addition to team Nishad and Eco-Amritsar. The

event initiated a huge debate on the social media about the necessity of such efforts in a continuous manner. We hope that

this continues to happen with youngsters of the city taking the lead.

June 12, 2015, Friday

4:30 PM- 5:30 PM Screening of Documentary “Amritsar: jithe kehnde Rabb Wasda” by Artist Punjab and Nanak

Institute of Maths and Sciences

Venue: Nanak Institute of Maths and Sciences, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar

Nanak Institute of Maths and Science as the name suggest is an institution that prepares students for various career

forming competitions. This time around, they along with Artist Punjab, an organization creating a pool of artistic

members of the society, planned a small yet very powerful event of talking to their students from various schools about

the ecological challenges of the city of Amritsar and concentrate on how they can contribute towards making lifestyle

changes. To make the message more clear, they screened a documentary by the name “Amritsar: jithey Kehnde Rabb

Wassda” an English translation would be “Amritsar: Where they say God resides”. This is a short film/documentary

made by the team of Prof. Atma Singh Gill. The students ended the session with interest in the efforts of the Eco-Amritsar

program and sharing what all good they can do in the near future. We are sure, we found many warriors for the cause

here.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

June 13, 2015, Saturday

4:30 PM Amritsar Foundation Day Celebrations- Signature Campaign, Quiz etc.

Venue: Trillium Mall

Trillium Mall is one of the three most prominent Malls of the city. The administration of the Mall has been continuously

doing innovative things to ensure responsible existent in the city. They organized a good no. of events to celebrate the

438th AFD with fervor. They planned kids activities involving snakes and ladders, Quiz programs about Amritsar, Songs

and most importantly a Signature campaign about the city. The winners of the quiz program were given ornamental plants

as gifts. We are sure that Eco-Amritsar as in the past will have a great deal to do for the city.

8: 00 PM- 10 PM Kirtan Samagam celebrating 438th AFD

Venue: Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Wara

Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle is one of the most prominent Sikh organizations which with their huge network ardently

work on issues related to the Diaspora. In the past also, they have been involved in the celebrations of the Sikh

Environment day as well as the Amritsar Foundation day directly or indirectly. This year during the ongoing summer

camp at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Wara, Amritsar a beautiful discourse on Amritsar and history of this

city was organized by S. Gurcharan Singh and S. Narwinder Singh with their enthusiastic team. The event was attended

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

by huge no. of local sangat and youngsters participating in the summer camp. Dr. Inderjeet Singh Gogoani, an authority in

the field gave a very informative discourse on the subject at hand.

9:30 PM- 11 PM Samagam and Katha by Baba Kulwant Singh ji Ajnala Sangat

Venue: Gurudwara Santokh Sar Sahib, Amritsar

The Ajnala Sangat has probably been the largest stakeholder in the message that Eco-Amritsar is trying to echo in the

hearts of the citizens of Amritsar. Is it not wonderful that volunteers from about 70 villages from Ajnala in turns come to

clean the streets of Amritsar every night? Yes, it is not their job and yes, much more needs to be done to ensure

sustainable management of the waste generated by the city but I am sure we are on the track. Since, a huge number of

Sanagat was to walk in the Citizen march the following day, it was decided that the night prior will be spent on absorbing

the enormity of the sewa via religious discourse on the same. Baba Kulwant Singh ji gathered the sangat in an informal

manner and the Team Eco-Amritsar was welcomed to share their love for the city. As on many occasions in the past, Baba

Kulwant Singh ji thanked EcoSikh for donating a major contribution used towards buying a Bus which now ferries the

Sangat to and fro Amritsar for the “Night Sanitation Sewa”.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

June 14, 2015, Sunday

6:30 AM- 8:15 AM Foundation Day Procession/ Citizens March from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Gate towards Company

Bagh, Amritsar ##

8:15 AM: Citizens Meet at Company Bagh and recognising Responsible Citizens

Venue: Company Bagh, Amritsar

Like every year, we were honoured to have Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji, Jathedar Sri Akaal Takht Sahib ji, give the flag off

to the citizens march which consisted of a huge gathering of participants. We had all the paraphernalia of the “Night

Sanitation Sewa” lead the march. The Bus Donated by EcoSikh was leading the March. Followed by the Students of

Millenium Public School on bicycles and members of the Sri Guru Granth manyo sewak jatha from Jandiala in open

Jeeps and Motorcycles. In addition to these the rest of the rally was on foot which consisted of students of the Pingalwara,

NCC 1 Punjab Battalion and members of the Ajnala Sangat followed in end by students of Khalsa College of Engineering

and Technology.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

The participants at the Citizen meet were various educational, religious, social organisations and individuals. Some of the

prominent attendees were Shri Pradeep Sabharwal, who is both, The Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar and Municipal

Commisioner, Amritsar, SGPC, Chief Khalsa Diwan, Kaar Sewa, Khadoor Sahib, DAV Public School, Sri Guru

Harkrishan Public Schools, Forest Department, Traffic Police, students of NCC, Pingalwara School students and inmates,

Sri Gur Granth Sahib Many Sewak Jatha, Central Khalsa Orphanage, International Fateh Academy, Guru Gobind Singh

Study Circle, Khalsa College Public School, Satnaam Sarab Kalyan trust, Bhai Manj free Gurmat Sangeet Academy,

Voice of Amritsar, Amritsar Vikas Manch, Mission Aagaz, Amritsar Sparkling, Freedom industries, All India Brick Kilns

association, Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology, Zero Discharge Park representatives, Millenium School, 92.7

FM, Ajnala Sangat, Bhai Ghanaiya ji Society, Nishad Entertainers, Avaas Lifestyle Hotel, Alpha One Mall team, Trillium

mall team, etc. Khyati from DAV public recited a Poem on Environment. A skit was enacted on Environment of Amritsar

by the students of Khalsa College Public School. The program ended with an astounding performance of “Gatka” by

students of Spring Field Public School.

The arrangement for the meet was meticulously planned by the Millenium School, Amritsar and the Chhabeel at the

culmination point was organized by the Ajnala Sangat. The participants were offered bananas and Bread Pakoras as

refreshment by the Avaas Lifestyle Hotel and the volunteers from amongst the attendees ensured that not even a single

peel was left over as litter. All the prominent attendees who have in the past year strengthened the Eco-Amritsar program

were presented with mementos to recognize their efforts with a hope that many new citizens will take the lead in making

the difference. We are very happy that a good number of new names were added to the recognized individuals as well as

organizations.

The surprise factor for the congregation was to be joined by none other than Shri Anil Joshi, Minister, Local Bodies,

Punjab Government, who while enjoying his morning walk and with his fellow walkers joined the celebrations and

congratulated one and all on the occasion. He was very gracious to recognise the efforts of project Eco-Amritsar trying to

put the onus on “One self” through the “I am Responsible” Stickers.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

## Foundation Day Procession Route 14th

June, 2015 (Sunday)

1. Starting Point-Akal Takht Sahib Exit Jorra Ghar (Mai Sewan Bazaar) – Departs at 6:30AM

2. Sangal Wala Akhara

3. Katra Ahluwalia (Jalebian Waala Khuh)

4. Goenka Sweets

5. Marwari Temple/ Maharaja Agharsen Temple

6. Fuwaara Chowk/ Dharam Singh Market

7. Bharawan Da Dhaba

8. Katra Sher Singh

9. Pink Plaza

10. Bhandhari Bridge/Ucccha Pul

11. Crystal Chowk

12. Novelty Chowk

13. Main Gate Company Bag, Mall Road – Reaches at 8:15 AM

8:00 AM: Kirtan and Katha By SGPC

Venue: Manji Hall, Sri Darbar Sahib

The SGPC which we are proud leads all our effort was also instrumental in celebrating the 438th Amritsar Foundation

Day. S. Roop Singh, the newly appointed Secretary of the SGPC lectured the congregation at the Manji Hall Gurudwara

about the importance of the citizens ensuring cleanliness and sufficient green cover in the city. The Kirtan diwan was held

at the same premises. Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, president SGPC also shared his congratulations with the diwan

through S. Roop Singh. With the 350th Celebrations of Anandpur Sahib’s Foundation Day and the concentration on the

celebrations there, we are very happy with the event they planned at Amritsar.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

5:00 PM Exhibition of “Sculptures- Ek-O-Ankaar” by Narinder Singh Sculpture and students Indian Academy of Fine

Arts in commemoration of the 438th Amritsar Foundation Day

Venue: Indian Academy of Fine Arts, M M Malviya Road, Amritsar

S. Narinder Singh is one of the most well known sculptors of this city. His chosen media of sculpture is “Wood” In fact all

of his family and his select students give artistic manifestation of “<” to the world. It was an honour to have the Indian

Academy of Fine Arts, one of the oldest Art galleries of India, celebrate the 438th Amritsar Foundation day by displaying

the art work of S. Narinder Singh ji’s team. The event was well attended by the artists of Amritsar and around and was

inaugurated by Dr. Rajinder Singh Gill, Director, North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala. The Indian Academy of Fine Arts

and its patrons have regularly taken initiatives to associate itself with Eco-Amritsar and we are proud of this association.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

6:30 PM Play “Kudesan” dedication to 438th AFD

Venue: Punjab Naatshala, Amritsar

Punjab Naatshaala is a very well known space for the artists of Punjabi theatre the world over. It offers its beautiful

ambience to artists from all over the world to show case plays and short films of various genres. It is one of the most

prominent art spaces of the region. Having heard of the 438th Amritsar Foundation day, how they could remain behind and

hence dedicated the performance of the day which was play “Kudesan” to the 438th AFD. S Jatinder Singh Brar and his

team congratulated the audience on the day and reiterated the message of a clean and Green Amritsar city. With more and

more from the Artist fraternity joining the thought, we are sure that our aim to have a visible difference in the city of

Amritsar by 2017 is achievable.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

6:00 PM Jagran Connection, Cultural event by Dainik Jagran

Venue: Amrit Vaani Park, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar

Dainik Jagran is a well known Hindi Vernacular of the Area. It plans a community event by the name of “Jagran

Connection” on suitable weekends. On the weekend of 13th-14

th June, they dedicated the celebrations to 438

th Amritsar

Foundation day at the Amrit Vaani Park, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar. It was a huge event with thousands attending the

celebrations. The master of the ceremony kept involving attendees one way or other in the ecological message of the 438th

AFD celebrations.

Full Day celebrations dedicated to Amritsar Foundation Day

Venue: Alpha One Mall, Amritsar

Alpha One Mall is a prominent Mall of Amritsar. They also had a whole day of celebrations at the mall. The showrooms

and shops gave away pamphlets of the Amritsar Foundation day to the shoppers and in addition to these, celebrations like

Tambola, The MC kept playing various games with the citizens. The food court also gave good offers. Alpha One has

been involved in the various activities especially concerned with cleanliness through its “Amritsar Sparkling: Be the

change Club”. We are sure that many useful activities will be planned in the future also.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

June 15, 2015, Monday

5:00 PM Talk on “Conservation of Sacred Sites” by Namita Jaspal

Venue: Bhai Vir Singh Niwas, Lawrence Road, Amritsar

Namita Jaspal is a renowned conservationist and her most recent work is leading the team of conservators involved in the

restoration of art, mural and all the inlaying work at the Harmandar Sahib. Dilbir Foundation formed with the aim of

working towards sustainable education as well as creating an environment to work on the tangible and in tangible heritage

of the land of Five rivers organized a talk titled “Conservation of Sacred Sites” Namita Jaspal shared various techniques

put in use to restore the invaluable heritage at the sites that she is working on. She also shared the challenges that she is

facing. Eco-Amritsar deeply values her prudence to her and her team’s efforts and prays that results are as beautiful as

they look. She has in the past also contributed to the conservation plans of Bhai Veer Singh Niwas Asthaan. We are sure

that the city is and will continue gaining with her expertise.

”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”

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”Amritsar: My City, My Pride, My responsibility”