Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, addressing an Interfaith Conclave here, commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, said the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji resonates deeply with the spirit of India, a nation where unity is built not through uniformity, but through mutual respect and understanding.
Describing Bharat as a nation of many languages, cultures, traditions, and faiths, the Vice-President referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” as a vision rooted in India’s civilizational soul. He urged collective efforts towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He described Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a beacon of moral courage whose life and sacrifice belong to all of humanity. Referring to the Guru’s martyrdom, he said it stands as one of history’s most extraordinary affirmations of religious freedom.
He noted that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life not for political power or the supremacy of one belief over another, but to defend the right of individuals to live and worship according to their conscience. At a time of great intolerance, he stood as a shield for the persecuted, the VP added.
Highlighting the timeless relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message, Radhakrishnan said he taught the world that courage guided by compassion can transform societies and that silence in the face of injustice is incompatible with true faith. It is for these enduring values, he said, that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is revered not only as a Sikh Guru but also as a universal symbol of supreme sacrifice and moral courage and honoured with the title ‘Hind Di Chadar’.
Vice President Radhakrishnan underlined that India’s strength has always been its unity in diversity. From ancient times, he said, Bharat has welcomed diverse faiths, philosophies, and cultures, a spirit that was later enshrined by the framers of the Constitution through fundamental rights guaranteeing liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
Quoting an ancient Tamil maxim “Yaadhum Oore, Yaavarum Kelir”, meaning the whole world is one family, the Vice-President said India’s civilizational ethos continues to inspire global harmony.
He emphasised that Guru Tegh BahadurJi ’s message is even more relevant today, reminding humanity that peace cannot be imposed by force but must be built on justice, empathy, and respect for human dignity.