Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid a solemn tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, during the ongoing winter session of the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday. She declared that his supreme sacrifice remains an everlasting beacon of courage and righteousness in the annals of human history.
Three-Day Congregation at Red Fort
The Chief Minister informed the legislative house that the Delhi government organized a significant three-day congregation at the historic Red Fort complex. This event was held to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Gupta emphasized that viewing the Guru solely as a religious leader of one faith would be a disservice to his immense legacy.
"He was among the greatest protectors of India's shared culture, collective consciousness, and civilizational values," stated CM Gupta. She added that her government has taken proactive steps to ensure that the inspiring story of the Guru's sacrifice is passed on to future generations.
Security Coordination with Central Government
Addressing the practical challenges of hosting such a large-scale event, the Chief Minister revealed that there were considerable security concerns following a terror attack that occurred earlier outside the Red Fort. To ensure the safety of all attendees, her administration engaged in high-level discussions.
"We discussed the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and with the cooperation of the central government, comprehensive security arrangements were put in place," Gupta explained. This collaborative effort between the Delhi and central governments proved successful, enabling lakhs of devotees to participate safely in the congregation dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Delhi as a 'Mini India' Celebrating Diversity
Chief Minister Gupta further elaborated on Delhi's unique cultural fabric, describing the capital as a living embodiment of 'Mini India' and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. She highlighted her government's efforts to celebrate festivals from every corner of the nation with equal zeal.
The list of festivals celebrated includes:
- Kanwar Yatra
- Ramlila
- Chhath Mahaparv
- Garba
- Teej
- Onam
This initiative, she suggested, reinforces the city's role as a unifying ground for India's diverse traditions.
Several other Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) rose to commend the efforts of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in honoring the sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur and his family. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made a pointed remark, linking contemporary actions to historical reverence.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed names like Aurangabad and Aurangzeb Road in Delhi, making it clear that this country will not derive its identity from oppressors but from saintly figures like Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib," Sirsa stated, underscoring a broader national narrative of reclaiming cultural heritage.
