A large religious gathering was organized in Yamunanagar, Haryana, to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The event took place at Gurdwara Sahib Gobindpura in Bhambholi and saw the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
Chief Minister Pays Homage and Announces Grant
Addressing the congregation after the Ardas, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed his honor at being present on the sacred land. He praised Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a monumental spiritual leader who protected India's civilizational values and demonstrated that religion is intrinsically linked to freedom and truth.
The CM announced a financial grant of ₹31 lakh for the Gurdwara Trust. In recognition, the trust presented him with a Siropa (robe of honor), a portrait of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and a ceremonial sword.
Remembering Supreme Sacrifices of the Guru's Family
The program was dedicated not only to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji but also to the martyrdoms of Mata Gujar Kaur Ji and the four Sahibzadas (sons) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. CM Saini described the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh's family as unparalleled in world history.
He recounted the bravery of the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who were martyred at ages 9 and 6, respectively. He noted that the week of December 20 to 27, 1704, is forever etched in history as the period when the Guru's entire family laid down their lives for faith and people.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the inspirational role of Mata Gujar Kaur Ji and the valor of the elder Sahibzadas, Ajit Singh Ji and Jujhar Singh Ji, in the Battle of Chamkaur. He linked these sacrifices to the national observance of Veer Bal Diwas on December 26, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Haryana Government's Initiatives for Sikh Heritage
CM Saini outlined several steps taken by the Haryana government to honor Sikh history and culture. These include:
- Naming the upcoming Yamunanagar Medical College after 'Hind di Chadar Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji'.
- Renaming Government Polytechnic College in Ambala after the Guru.
- Establishing a research chair in Guru Tegh Bahadur's name at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa.
- Creating the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee.
- Providing jobs to families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
- Allotting land to historic gurdwaras and launching the Swarna Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana for pilgrims.
The Chief Minister also commended a large blood donation camp held during the congregation, calling it a true embodiment of the Sikh principle of 'Sewa' (selfless service). He praised the youth participation, noting that a single unit of blood can save a precious life.
The event was attended by several state ministers, public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of devotees, marking a significant moment of remembrance and community service.
