Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed an event commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Kurukshetra in Haryana 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 Shri 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.

Recalling that 5–6 years ago another remarkable coincidence had taken place, Shri 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.

Shri 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, Shri Modi said that giving one’s life for the path of truth and for one’s duty is supreme. He remarked that Shri 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 Shri 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, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, came to this sacred soil, he left a profound imprint of deep penance and fearless courage. 

“Personalities like Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are rare in history, and his life, sacrifice, and character remain a great source of inspiration”, emphasised Shri 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 Shri 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 Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur himself accepted Islam, then they too would adopt the religion.

Shri Modi stated that these words reflect the pinnacle of Shri 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 Shri 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.

The Prime Minister remarked that the Mughals did not stop there, as they attempted to dishonor the sacred head of Guru Maharaj. He highlighted that Bhai Jaita Ji, through his valor, carried the Guru’s head to Anandpur Sahib. The Prime Minister recalled the words of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, meaning that the sacred tilak of faith was preserved, that people’s beliefs were protected from oppression, and for this Guru Sahib sacrificed everything. 

Highlighting that today, the very land of Guru Sahib’s sacrifice stands as Delhi’s Sis Ganj Gurudwara, a living site of inspiration, Shri Modi emphasized that the pilgrimage of Anandpur Sahib is the power center of our national consciousness. The Prime Minister noted that the very form of India that remains today embodies the sacrifice and dedication of epochal figures like Guru Sahib. He underscored that it is because of this supreme sacrifice that Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib is revered as ‘Hind Di Chadar’.

“The tradition of our Gurus forms the foundation of the nation’s character, culture, and core spirit”, exclaimed Shri Modi, expressing satisfaction that in the past 11 years the government has established these sacred traditions and every Sikh celebration as national festivals. The Prime Minister highlighted that their Government had the privilege of celebrating the 550th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the 400th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, and the 350th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji as festivals of India’s unity and integrity. He noted that people across the country, rising above their faiths, traditions, and beliefs, have participated in these celebrations.

Underscoring that their Government has had the privilege of giving the sacred sites associated with the Gurus the most magnificent and divine form, Shri Modi highlighted that over the past decade there have been many occasions when he personally became part of events linked to the Guru tradition. The Prime Minister recalled that some time ago, when three original forms of the Guru Granth Sahib arrived in India from Afghanistan, it became a moment of pride for every citizen. 

Emphasising that the government has sought to connect every pilgrimage site of the Gurus with the vision of modern India, Shri Modi further noted that whether it was completing the work of the Kartarpur Corridor, constructing the ropeway project at Hemkund Sahib, or expanding the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum at Anandpur Sahib, all these tasks have been undertaken with full devotion, keeping the glorious tradition of the Gurus as the guiding ideal.

Pointing out that everyone knows how the Mughals crossed all limits of cruelty even with the brave Sahibzadas, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Sahibzadas accepted being bricked alive but did not abandon their duty or the path of faith. The Prime Minister stated that in honor of these ideals, every year on 26 December, Veer Bal Diwas is observed. He emphasized that the government has also included the history of the Sikh tradition and the teachings of the Gurus in the national curriculum so that the ideals of service, courage, and truth become the foundation of the thinking of the new generation.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that everyone must have had the sacred darshan of the ‘Joda Sahib’. He recalled that the first time his cabinet colleague and Union Minister, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri discussed these important relics with him, he had mentioned that his family had preserved the holy ‘Joda Sahib’ of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji for nearly three hundred years. Shri Modi highlighted that now this sacred heritage was being dedicated to the Sikh community across the nation and the world. He stated that thereafter, the holy ‘Joda Sahib’ underwent scientific examination with full respect and dignity so that it could be preserved for future generations. Taking all facts into account, the collective decision was made to dedicate the sacred ‘Joda Sahib’ to Takht Shri Patna Sahib, where Guru Maharaj spent a significant part of his childhood. The Prime Minister remarked that last month, as part of a sacred journey, the revered ‘Joda Sahib’ were carried from Delhi to Patna Sahib, and there he too had the opportunity to bow his head before them. He considered it the special grace of the Gurus that he was granted this chance of service, dedication, and connection with this sacred heritage.

Noting that the memory of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji teaches us how vast, generous, and humanity-centered India’s culture has been, Shri Modi highlighted that Guru Sahib validated the mantra of Sarbat da Bhala through his life. The Prime Minister stated that today’s event is not only a moment to honor these memories and lessons but also an important inspiration for our present and future. He recalled Guru Sahib’s teaching, meaning that one who remains steadfast even in adverse circumstances is the true wise one and the true seeker. The Prime Minister emphasized that with this inspiration we must overcome every challenge and take our nation forward, making India developed. He noted that Guru Sahib also taught us that we should neither frighten anyone nor live in fear of anyone. He remarked that this fearlessness strengthens society and the nation, and today India too walks on this principle. The Prime Minister underscored that India speaks of fraternity to the world while also defending its borders. He stated that while India desires peace, it never compromises on its security, with Operation Sindoor being the greatest example. Shri Modi affirmed that the whole world has witnessed that the new India neither fears, nor stops, nor bows before terrorism. He added that today’s India is moving forward with full strength, courage, and clarity.

The Prime Minister remarked that on this important occasion he wished to speak on a subject concerning society and youth, which was also a matter of concern for Guru Sahib — the issue of addiction and drugs. He highlighted that the habit of addiction has pushed the dreams of many young people into deep challenges. The Prime Minister stated that the government is making every effort to eradicate this problem from its roots, but emphasized that it is also a battle for society and families. He noted that at such a time, the teachings of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib serve both as inspiration and as a solution. The Prime Minister recalled that when Guru Sahib began his journey from Anandpur Sahib, he connected numerous villages with the Sangat, expanding their devotion and faith while also transforming the conduct of society. He remarked that the people of these villages abandoned all forms of intoxicant cultivation and dedicated their future at the feet of Guru Sahib. Shri Modi emphasized that by following the path shown by Guru Maharaj, if society, families, and youth together wage a decisive battle against addiction, this problem can be eradicated from its roots.

The Prime Minister remarked that the teachings of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib should become the foundation of peace in our conduct, balance in our policies, and trust in our society, and this is the essence of the occasion. He highlighted that the manner in which the martyrdom day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur is being observed across the country reflects how alive the Gurus’ teachings remain in the consciousness of society even today. The Prime Minister concluded by emphasising that with this spirit, these celebrations should serve as meaningful inspiration for the youth to take India forward and extended his greetings to all once again.

Governor of Haryana, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Ministers, Shri Manohar Lal, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Shri Krishna Pal were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Panchjanya’, constructed in honour of the sacred conch of Lord Krishna. Thereafter, he will visit the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, an immersive experiential centre where installations depict significant episodes from the Mahabharata, highlighting its enduring cultural and spiritual significance.

Prime Minister further participated in a special programme commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the revered ninth Sikh Guru. During the programme, the Prime Minister released a special Coin and Commemorative stamp 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.

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MJPS/SR