Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), November 18:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday joined the Sangat here at Gurudwara Chevin Patshahi in a Kirtan Darbar organised by the state government to mark 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji.
Addressing the gathering, National Convener of AAP exhorted the people to follow Guru Ji’s universal message of love, secularism, religious tolerance, freedom of faith and peaceful co-existence. Terming it an occasion to spread the message of Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice for the sake of humanity and religious freedom, he said that the life and philosophy of the ninth Guru sahib remains a beacon of inspiration for the world. Arvind Kejriwal further said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had made elaborate arrangements to commemorate this mega event in a befitting manner.
National Convener of AAP said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity to set an example for the world. He called upon the people to follow the path of righteousness in the true tradition of humanity, as propagated by Guru Sahib. Arvind Kejriwal said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life in Delhi to protect human rights and religious freedom a sacrifice unmatched in world history.
National Convener of AAP said that Ninth Sikh Guru was a true symbol of secularism, unity, and universal brotherhood, adding that Guru Sahib’s life and philosophy continue to serve as a beacon of light for all humanity. He said that the core objective of these events is to educate people about the Guru’s philosophy, his life of sacrifice, and the eternal message of peace and humanity that continues to inspire millions across the globe. Arvind Kejriwal said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji raised his voice for the protection of religious freedom and was martyred in 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
National Convener of AAP said that Pandits of Kashmir, seeking protection for their faith, had came to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for help. He said that despite several offers from the erstwhile rulers, Guru Ji refused to bow before tyranny and chose the path of martyrdom to defend freedom of religion. Arvind Kejriwal said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered across the world as the first martyr who sacrificed his life for the protection of human rights.
The National Convener of AAP said that the pages of world history are filled with events of austerity, restraint, bravery, sacrifice, and service, yet the sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for religious freedom and human dignity opened a new chapter unparalleled in human history. He said that instead of bowing before the rulers and their power, Guru ji shook the very roots of tyranny with his unmatched sacrifice. Arvind Kejriwal said that before his martyrdom, Guru ji’s grandfather, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji had also endured severe torture from rulers, offering his life with the divine acceptance.
Meanwhile, in his address, the Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice for the protection of faith and righteousness transformed the course of India’s history. He said that on this occasion, homage and deep respect are paid to Pandit Kirpa Ram Ji, who had unwavering faith in the Sikh faith. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Pandit Kirpa Ram Ji was a resident of the town of Mattan, located about 65 kilometers from Srinagar and under his leadership Kashmiri Pandits sought refuge with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to protect their religion.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Kashmiri Pandits will also participate in the Nagar Kirtan being organized from Srinagar, a beautiful reflection of communal harmony and brotherhood. He said that the sacrifices of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was not for personal gain but for the welfare of all and for truth and justice. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 24 years after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom, in 1699, the Khalsa was born on the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The Chief Minister said that the tenth Master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, sacrificed his entire family for the honor of the faith, an unparalleled example in world history. He said that Punjabis have inherited their spirit of resistance against oppression, tyranny and injustice from Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the spirit of sacrifice runs in our blood, and Punjabis
take pride in their glorious heritage.
The Chief Minister said that the objective of commemorating this great occasion is to spread the philosophy of the ninth Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji throughout the world so that ideals of peace, harmony, and secularism for which Guru ji sacrificed himself may be preserved. He said that the nations that forget their glorious heritage fade quickly from the pages of history. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who take inspiration from their past and walk in the light of martyrdom can find rays of hope even in darkness.
The Chief Minister said that the ninth Sikh Guru was an advocate of unity and religious tolerance adding that his life and teachings stand as a beacon for all humanity. He said that to commemorate Guru Sahib’s martyrdom day, the Punjab Government has organized series events both within and outside the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed for perpetuating Guru ji’s life, philosophy, and his sacrifice for religious freedom and human rights.
