Gagan Anmol promises all support, MP Arora announces Rs.20 lacs for Bassian Kothi

Ludhiana, April 19, 2023: Spectators at a Punjabi Cultural Art Festival organised in Maharaja Dalip Singh Memorial, popularly known as Bassian Kothi, near Raikot in Ludhiana District were enthused and surprised a lot when they witnessed Sanjeev Arora, MP (Rajya Sabha) dancing along with Punjabi artists on beat of drums.

The event was organised with the motive to connect the young generation with state’s rich culture, heritage, history and tradition. Arora along with his family members and friends participated in the event and stayed there till late evening enjoying various cultural and musical programmes, including folk instrument playing, Malwai Giddha and traditional Sialkoti folk dance Bhangra performances held under the open sky.  

Cabinet Minister assured of full support to maintain and make the Basian Kothi a tourist destination.

Arora along with Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann also inaugurated Sufi Nite by famous Sufi singer Mohammad Irshad who enthralled the both rural and urban audience with his soulful sufi performance. Many industrialists and big-wigs from Ludhiana had also gone there to witness the programme. 

In his address, Arora spoke about the importance of the Bassian Kothi and stated that this place is a more than 200-year-old monument of Sikh heritage. He stressed on the need to protect such sites. He said such heritage sites should not only be well protected and maintained but also to be used for promoting tourism in the state.   

Arora said there is a dire need to get aware of the youth with our rich history, culture and traditions. He said he had even discussed with Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann to further upgrade the Bassian Kothi so that it could attract a large number of tourists from India and abroad. Besides, one may find and understand real rural live and culture in the surroundings of this place, he added. 

Further, Arora thanked the District Administration specially Deputy Commissioner Surbhi Malik and the organisers for inviting him at the event during which he learnt a lot about the history. He also thanked Prof Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Chairman of Maharaja Dalip Singh Memorial Charitable Trust under whose supervision the event was organised. 

Arora announced a grant of Rs.20 lakh out of MPLAD Fund for upgradation of the Bassian Kothi. While appreciating performances of all the artists, singers and poets including Surjit Patar, he announced a reward of Rs.1 lakh for the Bhangra Team from Gurdaspur out of his own pocket. 

On the occasion, Arora, along with Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann and others launched a documentary film about Maharaja Dalip Singh Memorial Kothi prepared by renowned photo artist Harpreet Singh Sandhu. 

Arora along with others also get himself photographed at a selfie point set up at this place for visitors.