Joshi, who was here to inaugurate the light and sound show as part of the Khalsa tercentenary celebrations said, the entire nation owes a lot to Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa Panth for the sacrifices made by them to protect the unity and integrity of the country.

The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who was also present at the press conference, thanked Joshi for sanctioning the central grant of Rs 100 crore for the celebrations. The Human Resources Development Minister was quick to respond with ``We are not obliging you, its our duty''.

Joshi revealed that he had written to all the Chief Ministers asking them to celebrate the occasion in their respective states. "All of them have responded positively," he added.

Joshi further disclosed that the various state governments have been asked to raise memorials in the name of the ``Panj Piaras'' who were administered amrit by Guru Gobind Singh, at their native cities. Since one of them -- Bhai Daya Singh -- hailed from Lahore in Pakistan, the government of that country has been asked to make similar arrangements.

Of the Rs 100 crore central grant announced for the festivities, Rs 19 crore have been released so far.

Joshi further appreciated the Rashtriya Sikh Sangh's role in organising a march from the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh in Patna to Anandpur sahib.

He praised the BJP Chief Minister Kalyan Singh of Uttar Pradesh and Union Home Minister L.K Advani for according a warm reception to the various marches, on their way to Anandpur Sahib.

Joshi, who is also the chairman of the implementation committee of celebrations, said, "I am fortunate to handle such an auspicious event."

Directions have been issued to various state governments to construct Guru Gobind Singh Bhawans as part of the festivities, and Rs 50 lakh have been sanctioned to a film producer for a project named "In the footsteps of Guru Gobind Singhji."

The project has been cleared by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, he added.

Quoting Guru Gobind Singh Joshi said, "The philosophy behind organising the Khalsa Panth reflects the Guru's farsightedness." By instituting the Khalsa Panth, the Guru had tried to establish a casteless society, he added.