Marking the death anniversary of Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa — the great commander of the Khalsa Empire, Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Empire, and the brave warrior credited with incorporating Kabul and Kandahar into the Khalsa Kingdom —INTACH Punjab and Riarki Institutions organised a commemorative event at B.A.S. Riarki Public School, Tughalwala (Gurdaspur).Hari Singh Nalwa’s death anniversary is observed annually on April 30. The legendary Sikh Commander-in-Chief passed away on April 30, 1837, from injuries sustained during the Battle of Jamrud, fought against Afghan forces at the mouth of the Khyber Pass. He is revered for expanding the Sikh Empire’s borders to the Indus and beyond.Related news: Akal Takht rejects film proposal from Bhanushali Studios on Hari Singh NalwaDr Naresh Kumar, Head of the Punjabi and Dogri Department at Central University, Dharamsala, was the main speaker at the event. He praised efforts to carry forward traditional values and customs to the next generation. He also spoke about various ongoing initiatives for the preservation of the Punjabi language and urged students to draw inspiration from Nalwa’s life and strive to achieve something extraordinary.“His courage was inspirational and legendary. He earned the nicknames ‘Nalwa’ and ‘Baaghmaar’ (tiger killer) from Maharaja Ranjit Singh after killing a tiger with a sword, according to historical sources,” he told the students.Major General Balwinder Singh, convener of INTACH Punjab, emphasised that INTACH, along with its partner institutions, is committed to preserving heritage and keeping the stories of great warriors alive. “Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa is an integral part of our military history and heritage. It is because of such great commanders that we breathe in a free atmosphere today and it is our duty to pass on the legacy of their sacrifices to the next generation. We have also taken steps to maintain the memoirs of Hari Singh Nalwa installed at Heritage Street,” he said.Gagandeep Singh Virk, convener of INTACH Amritsar, highlighted that INTACH chapters are working to promote quality books and historical literature. “However, success will come only when students become active readers. We are beginning a series of research-oriented lectures delivered by students on Sikh warriors and encouraging them to read about the great general and create immersive experiences at places of historical significance,” he said.