Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an event commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Kurukshetra today. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that today has come as a remarkable confluence of India’s heritage. He highlighted that in the morning he was in Ayodhya, the city of the Ramayana, and now he is in Kurukshetra, the city of the Gita. He stated that all are paying homage to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on the occasion of his 350th martyrdom day. The Prime Minister acknowledged the presence of saints and the respected congregation at the event and expressed his reverent salutations to all.
During the programme, the Prime Minister first paid obeisance before the Guru Granth Sahib. Haryana Governor, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, CM Nayab Singh Saini, Union Ministers Manohar Lal, Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishna Pal were present among other dignitaries at the event.
The Prime Minister also released a special Coin, a Commemorative stamp and a Coffee Table Book marking the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of revered Guru. To honour the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Government of India is observing a year-long commemoration. Prime Minister also visited the exhibition on the life and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
During the event, Saini presented a siropa to the Prime Minister. On this occasion, 350 children performed Guru kirtan. A sand art presentation depicting the life and supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was also showcased.
Recalling that 5–6 years ago another remarkable coincidence had taken place, Modi highlighted that on 9 November 2019, when the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the Ram Mandir, he was at Dera Baba Nanak for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor. The Prime Minister remarked that on that day he was praying for the path of Ram Mandir’s construction to be cleared and for the aspirations of crores of Ram devotees to be fulfilled. He stated that the prayers of all were answered as the verdict in favor of the Ram Mandir was delivered on the same day. The Prime Minister noted that now, when the Dharma Dhwaja has been established in Ayodhya, he has once again received the opportunity to seek blessings from the Sikh Sangat.
Modi stated that a short while ago the ‘Panchajanya Memorial’ was inaugurated on the land of Kurukshetra. He highlighted that it was on this very soil that Lord Shri Krishna declared the protection of truth and justice to be the highest duty. Reciting Krishna’s words, Sh Modi said that giving one’s life for the path of truth and for one’s duty is supreme. He remarked that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji too considered the defense of truth, justice, and faith as his dharma, and he upheld this dharma by sacrificing his life. On this historic occasion, the Government of India has had the privilege of dedicating a commemorative postage stamp and a special coin at the feet of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The Prime Minister expressed his wish that the government continues to serve the Guru tradition in this manner.
The Prime Minister remarked that the sacred land of Kurukshetra is an important center of Sikh tradition. He highlighted that almost all Gurus of the Sikh tradition visited this land during their holy journeys. He recalled that when the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, came to this sacred soil, he left a profound imprint of deep penance and fearless courage.
“Personalities like Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are rare in history, and his life, sacrifice, and character remain a great source of inspiration”, emphasised Sh Modi. He emphasized that during the period of Mughal invasions, Guru Sahib set an ideal of bravery. The Prime Minister noted that before the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Kashmiri Hindus were being forcibly converted to Islam by the Mughal aggressors. In this crisis, a group of the oppressed sought the support of Guru Sahib. The Prime Minister recalled that Guru Sahib had told them to clearly convey to Aurangzeb that if Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur himself accepted Islam, then they too would adopt the religion.
PM Modi stated that these words reflect the pinnacle of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s fearlessness. He remarked that what was feared eventually happened, as the cruel Aurangzeb ordered Guru Sahib to be taken prisoner, but Guru Sahib himself declared his decision to go to Delhi. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Mughal rulers tried to lure him with temptations, yet Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur remained steadfast and refused to compromise on his faith and principles. He emphasized that in order to break his resolve and divert him from his path, the Mughals brutally executed his three companions — Bhai Dayala Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Mati Das Ji — before his eyes. The Prime Minister noted that even then Guru Sahib remained unwavering, his determination unbroken. He underscored that Guru Sahib did not abandon the path of dharma and, in a state of deep meditation, sacrificed his head in defense of faith.