Memorial for Bhai Mardana at Nankana Sahib

According to the Times of India " The Pakistan government has announced to build a memorial for Bhai Mardana, the Muslim disciple and lifelong companion of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, at Nankana Sahib. Talking to TOI over phone from Lahore on Monday, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman Siddiq-ul-Farooq informed that the announcement was made during the visit of Sikh devotees who were in Pakistan to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Maharja Ranjit Singh and pay obeisance at the historical gurdwaras. "Tonight, I am hosting a dinner for Sikh leadership to discuss the architectural design of the memorial," said Farooq, adding that he had already received some designs from India. Pakistan government's announcement came some days after the Indian Punjab's minister of tourism and cultural affairs laid the foundation stone of a Rs 7.5 crore International Bhai Mardana Memorial at Ferozepur on June 15.  The ETPB chairman said the memorial would be constructed on land adjacent to Gurdwara Mal Ji Sahib in Nankana Sahib. Sources informed that the land earmarked for the memorial was under illegal occupation by a person who was using the place to breed peacocks and sparrows.  When asked about it, Farooq said, "We will get the place vacated and lay the foundation stone for Bhai Mardana's memorial." He said ETPB would generate funds from its own resources for the construction of memorial. "But we would accept donations from volunteers," he said.

He added that preparations were in full swing for setting up Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji International University at Nankana Sahib. "We have set aside Rs 5 crore as seed money, and have several donation offers from world over," he said. The foundation stone of the proposed university would be laid on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November, he added.