EcoSikh to revive Guru Gobind Singh ji’s ‘Baaj’, plant 350 sacred forests to mark Guru Tegh Bahadur ji’s 350th martyrdom day
PTC Web Desk: EcoSikh, a global Sikh environmental organisation, has announced an ambitious plan to revive ‘Baaj’ — the raptor historically associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and designated as Punjab’s state bird. The initiative will be undertaken in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), one of India’s oldest conservation institutions.
The project, unveiled at a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club on October 15, aims to rehabilitate the Northern Goshawk, commonly known as ‘Baaj’, and another falcon species, Shaheen Baaj. This effort forms part of EcoSikh’s broader “Sacred Fauna Mission” to restore endangered species and their habitats across Punjab.
Dr Rajwant Singh, global president of EcoSikh, emphasised the symbolic and spiritual value of the bird. “The Baaj inspired people to live with courage and dignity, qualities Guru Gobind Singh Ji embodied. Sadly, the bird has disappeared from Punjab’s skies due to habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal trade,” he said. He noted that there have been no official sightings of the bird in Punjab for over two decades, underscoring the urgency of its revival.
EcoSikh has also announced the creation of '350 Sacred Forests' to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Each forest, planted using Miyawaki method, will serve as a mini native ecosystem to restore biodiversity.
Dr Supreet Kaur, president of EcoSikh India, shared that these forests will act as “living classrooms” promoting environmental awareness and reflecting Sikhism’s deep connection with nature. Over the past 16 years, EcoSikh has established more than 1,350 'sacred forests' across India, each nurturing biodiversity and spiritual reflection.
Charan Singh, convenor of Sacred Forests and Sacred Fauna, said, “Restoring Baaj is not only an ecological mission but also a spiritual act, echoing Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s message of Sarbat da Bhala.”
Additionally, EcoSikh announced the establishment of a Guru Har Rai Herbal Garden at Gurdwara Charan Kanwal Sahib, Panchkula, inspired by Guru Har Rai Ji’s historic Naulakha Bagh in Kiratpur.
- PTC NEWS
