The event served as a remarkable confluence of India’s heritage, as the Prime Minister arrived from Ayodhya earlier in the day, where he had participated in the ceremony to hoist the saffron flag atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Photo: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday delivered a powerful address to mark the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru.
The event served as a remarkable confluence of India’s heritage, as the Prime Minister arrived from Ayodhya earlier in the day, where he had participated in the ceremony to hoist the saffron flag atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
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In his poignant tribute, PM Modi underscored the supreme sacrifice of the Guru for upholding the principle of religious freedom, calling it the foundation of the nation’s character and core spirit.
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Addressing a gathering in the holy city of Kurukshetra revered for its connection to the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Prime Minister honored Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who attained martyrdom on November 24, 1675. The Guru made the ultimate sacrifice for the religious freedom of the Kashmiri Pandits, refusing to convert to Islam under the tyranny of the Mughal Empire.
“Personalities like Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are rare indeed in history. Their life, their sacrifice, their character is a great source of inspiration,” PM Modi stated.
He emphasized that the Guru “established the ideal of valor” during a tumultuous era, demonstrating a commitment to dharma and human rights that transcends religious boundaries.
To permanently honour this legacy, the Prime Minister released a commemorative coin and stamp dedicated to the Guru.
“The tradition of our gurus is the foundation of our nation’s character, our culture, and our core spirit,” PM Modi affirmed, noting that his government has worked with devotion to connect every sacred site of the Gurus with the vision of modern India, citing the completion of the Kartarpur Corridor and the establishment of Veer Bal Diwas on December 26 in honor of the Sahibzadas.
The Prime Minister reflected on the significance of his day’s journey, noting the powerful symbolism of traveling from Ayodhya, the city of the Ramayana, to Kurukshetra, the city of the Gita. He recalled a similar confluence on November 9, 2019, when the Ram Mandir verdict was delivered on the same day he inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor.
In Kurukshetra, PM Modi also performed darshan and pooja at the Brahma Sarovar and inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Panchajanya’ Memorial. His visit coincided with the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav, a grand celebration taking place from November 15 to December 5.
Beyond the spiritual and cultural commemoration, the Prime Minister broadened his focus to address a critical social challenge, urging a collective, societal effort to combat drug addiction.
“Drug addiction has pushed the dreams of many of our youth into deep challenges,” he said. While affirming the government’s efforts to eradicate the problem from its roots, he called for families and society to actively join the fight for public health and youth welfare, drawing inspiration from Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s teachings against intoxicants.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India today moves forward with the same principle of fearlessness taught by the Guru, defending its borders and standing strong against terrorism.
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