Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, on the occasion of his 350th martyrdom anniversary at a large public event in Kurukshetra's Jyotisar village on Tuesday. The event, organized by the Haryana government, saw the Prime Minister connecting the Guru's timeless principles of truth and justice with the contemporary vision and actions of his government.
A Confluence of Sacred Heritage
Beginning his address with the traditional Sikh salutation 'Jo Bole So Nihaal', PM Modi expressed his awe at the day's spiritual journey. He revealed that he had started the day in Ayodhya, the land of the Ramayana, performing 'Dharma Dhwajarohan' at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, before arriving in Kurukshetra, the sacred land of the Bhagavad Gita. He drew a parallel to another significant day, recalling that when the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the Ram Temple, he was at Dera Baba Nanak inaugurating the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Emphasizing Kurukshetra's profound significance in Sikhism, the Prime Minister noted that nearly every Sikh Guru had visited this land. "This is the land where Shri Krishna said it is noble to sacrifice one's life in the defence of one's dharma on the path of truth," PM Modi stated. "Guru Tegh Bahadur also saw the defence of truth, justice and faith as his dharma and he sacrificed his life for it."
The Supreme Sacrifice and its Modern Resonance
The Prime Minister provided a vivid recounting of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, detailing how the Guru challenged the forced religious conversions under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. He spoke of the Guru's unwavering resolve in the face of temptations and extreme torture, and how he witnessed the martyrdom of his close companions without flinching before ultimately offering his own head for the protection of dharma.
PM Modi also highlighted the bravery of Bhai Jaita (later Bhai Jeevan Singh), who risked his life to carry the Guru's severed head to Anandpur Sahib. This supreme sacrifice, the PM noted, earned Guru Tegh Bahadur the eternal title of 'Hind Di Chadar' (the shield of India). He stated that the Guru's life embodies the Sikh principle of 'Sarbat da Bhala' (welfare for all) and teaches values of fearlessness and compassion, which are vital for building a developed India.
Linking this legacy to current national policy, the Prime Minister asserted, "India has followed Guruji's principle of offering brotherhood to the world but not compromising with its security." He pointed to Operation Sindoor as a prime example of this philosophy, declaring that the new India neither gets scared nor is cowed by terrorism, and is surging ahead with full strength, courage, and clarity.
Government Initiatives and a Call Against Drugs
Outlining his government's efforts to honour Sikh traditions, PM Modi mentioned that over the past 11 years, celebrations of the Gurus have been observed as national festivals. He released a commemorative postal ticket, a special coin, and a coffee-table book on the Guru's martyrdom published by the Haryana government.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that his administration has connected key Sikh pilgrimage sites with modern infrastructure and has integrated the history and teachings of the Sikh Gurus into the national curriculum. "This is done so that their ideals of service, courage, and truth become the foundation of the thinking of the new generation," he explained.
Shifting focus to a pressing social issue, PM Modi expressed deep concern over drug addiction, particularly among the youth. He recalled how the Gurus inspired villages to abandon intoxicants and called for a collective battle against this menace. "If society, families, and youth come together to wage a decisive battle against drugs, this menace can be eradicated forever," he urged, asking everyone to follow the path shown by Guru Tegh Bahadur.
A Display of Interfaith Harmony and New Memorial
The event was a vibrant display of unity, with thousands of devotees from diverse communities in attendance. A poignant highlight was a half-hour recital of Gurbani Kirtan performed in unison by approximately 350 students from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities, symbolizing profound interfaith harmony.
On the same occasion, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Panchajanya Memorial at the Mahabharata Experience Centre complex in Jyotisar. The memorial, featuring a golden conch installed on a Vedic-style structure, symbolizes purity, courage, and the triumph of righteousness. Eighteen verses from the Bhagavad Gita are inscribed on it, reinforcing India's timeless message of dharma and spiritual wisdom. The event was attended by Haryana Governor Prof Aseem Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
