The convention held to mark the martyrdom day of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at historic Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop, Fatehgarh Sahib on June 25 eulogized his invaluable role and contribution towards humanity and Sikh people and vowed to follow the path shown by him.

In his address, S Harcharnjit Singh Dhami, the senior leader of the Dal Khalsa said Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was a true Sikh warrior who fought against injustice and slavery. He is credited with establishing the first Sikh empire. “It was a matter of pride that Sikhs have established their own sovereign rule in the past and even today they were determined to repeat the history”, said Dhami. 

By portraying him as a "Bairagi", a section of people were trying to belittle his sacrifice in the eyes of the Sikh nation. Mr Dhami sees a sinister design behind the move. He said today’s function was a befitting reply to all such Brahmnical forces who with ulterior motive were attempting to assimilate Sikh identity.

Sardar Manjit Singh Calcutta while addressing the spirited gathering of Dal Khalsa activists asked the young generation to draw inspiration from heroic deeds of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur . He lambasted the present leadership for not adhering to Sikh principles and traditions.

SGPC member Bhai Karnail Singh Panjoli, SAD (A) activist Bibi Surinder Kaur,  Kanwarpal Singh and Dr Manjinder Singh Jandi also spoke on the occasion.

The resolution adopted at a convention took Akalis to task for creating hurdles in establishing the Khalsa rule. The resolution states: the personal weaknesses and thrust for pelf and power crept in Akali leadership has marred the way to establish self-rule for Sikhs.  The convention called upon the Sikh masses to recognize and reject that leadership who for their personal benefits are damaging the collective cause of the Sikh nation.