Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur on the occasion of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas, stating that the revered Guru’s life and supreme sacrifice remain a guiding force for the nation’s character, culture and spiritual ethos.
Addressing the gathering in Kurukshetra, the Prime Minister said that Guru Tegh Bahadur considered the protection of truth, justice and faith as his religion, adding that personalities of such moral courage are rare in history.
The Prime Minister drew attention to the historical chapter when Kashmiri Hindus were facing forcible religious conversion under Mughal rule. “At that time, Guru Sahib told them to convey to Aurangzeb that if Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur accepts Islam, then they too will convert. Guru Sahib stood firm in defence of faith and humanity,” he said, calling the Guru an eternal symbol of bravery.
The Prime Minister also noted a unique convergence of India’s heritage on the same day. “This morning, I was in Ayodhya, the city of Ramayana, and now I am in Kurukshetra, the city of the Gita. We are paying homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on his 350th martyrdom day,” he said.
Recalling another significant coincidence, the Prime Minister said that on November 9, 2019 — when the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the Ram Temple — he was in Dera Baba Nanak for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor. “I prayed that the path to the construction of the Ram Temple would be paved, and our prayers were fulfilled on that very day,” he added.
Highlighting the deep connection between Kurukshetra and Sikh tradition, the Prime Minister said that almost all Sikh Gurus visited the holy land during their spiritual journeys, and Guru Tegh Bahadur left a profound imprint of penance and fearlessness here.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated ‘Panchjanya’, constructed in honour of the sacred conch of Lord Krishna in Kurukshetra. He also visited the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, an experiential centre showcasing installations depicting key episodes from the Mahabharata.
The event also witnessed the release of a commemorative postage stamp and special coin dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is remembered as a spiritual leader, philosopher, poet and warrior whose martyrdom continues to inspire generations.
-ANI