Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a powerful address at a historic gathering in Nagpur, describing the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, as one of the most courageous acts in Indian civilizational history. He emphasized the urgent need to propagate the story of the Guru's sacrifice across every village in the state.
A Gathering of Lakhs for a Historic Martyrdom
The occasion was the 350th Shaheedi Shatabdi Mahotsav of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibji, held at Nara near Nagpur. An unprecedented Mahasatsang saw the participation of lakhs of devotees. The event was notable for its diverse representation, bringing together the Sikh community with groups including Sindhi, Banjara, Valmiki, Labana, Sikligar, Mohyal, and Nanakpanthi communities. This illustrated the timeless message of unity across castes and faiths that Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied.
The day was marked by spiritual fervor with kirtans, pravachans, and day-long religious programs. The gathering was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, state ministers Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Girish Mahajan, Manikrao Kokate, and Madhuri Misal, MLA Krishna Khopde, district collector Vipin Itankar, police commissioner Ravinder Singal, municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, AB Dharma Jagran chief Sharad Dhole, and Sant Gyani Harnam Singh Mukhi, along with numerous other saints and leaders.
The "Shield of India" and a Statewide Awareness Drive
In his speech, CM Fadnavis recounted the pivotal historical moment when Kashmiri Pandits faced the brutal ultimatum of forced conversion or death under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb's diktat. He stated that Guru Tegh Bahadur stepped forward as their protector, ultimately sacrificing his life to defend their right to faith. This act, Fadnavis asserted, is why the Guru is revered as "Hind-di-Chadar" or the Shield of India.
To ensure this legacy is not forgotten, the Chief Minister announced a major statewide initiative. He revealed plans for coordination with Sikh organisations and Gurdwaras to take the Guru's story to every district in Maharashtra. Major martyrdom commemorative programs are planned in Nanded Sahib, Mumbai, and across rural Maharashtra as part of this outreach.
Echoes of Reverence and a Timeless Message
The emotional peak of the event was the screening of a documentary by Nirvair Production on the Guru's final days, which led the massive grounds to reverberate with the spirited cries of "Bole So Nihal… Sat Sri Akal!" Concluding his address with bowed reverence, CM Fadnavis made a profound statement linking the Guru's sacrifice to the survival of core Hindu cultural identities.
"Tilak, janju, dharma, Sanskriti—everything we hold sacred survives because of Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice," he said, underscoring the deep, interfaith significance of the martyrdom. The event stood as a powerful testament to the Guru's message of unity and righteous defiance, a history the state government now aims to embed in the public consciousness from village to village.
