Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the 350th Shaheedi Samagam commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, paying homage to the ninth Sikh Guru as an enduring symbol of courage, sacrifice and social harmony.
Calling the occasion historic and sacred, the Prime Minister said, “Today, we all remember the great Guru on this significant anniversary. It is my great fortune to be part of such a sacred event.” Referring to Guru Tegh Bahadur as “Hind di Chadar,” he said the Guru’s life continues to inspire generations to stand firm in defence of truth and righteousness.
“The spirit of standing with courage and truth is as relevant today as it was in the time of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji,” Modi said, adding that when the younger generation embraces these values, “tradition becomes a path to the future rather than just a memory.”
Emphasizing India’s legacy of bravery, harmony and cooperation, the Prime Minister said that the Gurus’ supreme sacrifices were strengthened by collective resolve across communities. He noted that traditions such as the Guru Nanak Naam-leva Sangat of Guru Gobind Singh played a vital role in nurturing unity and resilience during difficult times.
Highlighting the need for national cohesion, Modi said the large gathering of the Sangat reflected the continued blessings of the Gurus and saints. “Today, when the country once again needs social unity the most, this wonderful gathering reassures the nation,” he said.
The year-long commemoration began in Nagpur and continued at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib before culminating in Navi Mumbai, carrying the Guru’s message to thousands of villages across Maharashtra. The Prime Minister congratulated the state government for organizing the event.
Recalling earlier commemorations, Modi said the Union government had celebrated key milestones related to the Sikh Gurus nationally, including the 400th Prakash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the 550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak. He also highlighted the annual observance of Veer Bal Diwas in honour of the Sahibzadas.
Listing initiatives for the Sikh community, the Prime Minister cited the completion of the Kartarpur Corridor and enhanced facilities for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra. He added that relief under FCRA had been extended to Sikh institutions and gurdwaras, and that Sikh history had been accorded greater prominence in educational curricula and cultural platforms.
Addressing long-pending concerns, Modi referred to the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the reopening of cases and additional compensation for victims’ families, along with steps to strengthen the role of the National Commission for Minorities.
On the global front, he said the government worked in “mission mode” to ensure the safety of Sikhs in Afghanistan, facilitate the respectful return of swaroops of the Guru Granth Sahib, and provide citizenship pathways and relief to persecuted minorities. Visa and OCI norms were simplified, he added, and thousands of names removed from blacklists to ease travel for overseas Sikhs.
“Respecting the faith of the Sikh community and creating new opportunities for their progress is both our responsibility and our privilege,” the Prime Minister said.
He underscored that the Shaheedi Samagam was not merely about remembrance but about living the Guru’s teachings. “The purpose of the Samagam is not just to remember history, but to internalize it in one’s conduct,” he said.