Chandigarh, December 11 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji conveys the timeless message that no matter how great the oppression, the power of truth and righteousness always prevails. Religion is not merely about worship, it is a path to uphold truth, freedom, and human dignity. He added that Guru Sahib’s sacrifice is a divine celebration for humanity, and India has remained the center of this spiritual tradition for centuries.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a musical drama titled “Tap Se Tyag Tak”, organized jointly by the Kashmiri Hindu Cell Haryana and Shri Vishwakarma Skill University at Apparel House, Gurugram, on Thursday, on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Renowned actor and Padma Bhushan awardee Anupam Kher was the chief guest, while Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini presided over the program.
The Chief Minister’s OSD, Dr Prabhleen Singh, welcomed the gathering, and Dr. Raj Nehru, Chief Minister’s OSD, honored the chief guest Anupam Kher and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, also expressing gratitude to the guests. The event was attended by Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary, and Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, among other dignitaries.
*Sacrifice is the Foundation of Our Culture – Chief Minister*
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the play “Tap Se Tyag Tak” highlights that sacrifice forms the foundation of our culture. The soul of our civilization is austerity, and the strength of our nationhood is truth. He added that the play particularly conveys to the younger generation that sacrifice is not merely a chapter in history, but a living consciousness that sustains the nation.
*Haryana Government decided to provide Jobs for 1984 Riot-Affected Sikh Families*
The Chief Minister shared a major decision for Sikh families affected by the 1984 riots in Haryana. “One government job will be provided to a member of each of the 121 Sikh families who lost their loved ones during the riots,” he said. He further highlighted that the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, established in December 2022, has granted the Sikh community in the state long-awaited autonomy.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the Haryana government’s continued efforts to honor Sikh history, the Guru tradition, and the Sikh community. From the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, we are progressing rapidly. Under Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sikh heritage, historical sites, and contributions of great personalities have received national recognition over the past 11 years, he added.
Highlighting state initiatives, he said a research chair on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has been established at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. The Government Polytechnic, Ambala will be named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The government has further strengthened its respect for Sikh history by deciding to name the college in Assandh after Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger son of Sarbansdani Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The medical college being built in Yamunanagar has been named after “Hind ki Chadar” Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji, and a V.L.D.A. college in Lakhanpur Sahib has been established in the name of Mata Gujri. Additionally, the foundation stone for the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur memorial was laid on October 27 in Lohgarh, Yamunanagar. These initiatives reflect the Haryana government’s steadfast commitment to Sikh heritage, the Guru tradition, and the community, the Chief Minister added.
*Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Sacrifice: A Sacred Legacy for All Humanity – Anupam Kher*
Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned actor Anupam Kher said that rare moments in India’s history witness a great soul sacrificing his life to redefine religion, humanity, and truth. Speaking at the program, he stated, “The sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is not just a legacy of Sikh history, but a mark of honor on the forehead of the entire human civilization.”
Referring to the turbulent times in Kashmir, Kher highlighted that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, displaying unparalleled courage, made the first global declaration of religious freedom. “His sacrifice is the highest expression of Indian spirituality, courage, and humanity, serving as an eternal inspiration for future generations,” he added.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Kashmiri Hindu community, Anupam Kher thanked Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi for making the pain of displaced Kashmiris a national concern and taking sensitive initiatives for their rehabilitation. He also thanked Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for providing security, respect, and a foundation for rehabilitation to the displaced people in Haryana The people of India have never considered Kashmiri Hindus as outsiders but have always sought to heal their wounds with a sense of belonging, he said.
Mr. Kher emphasized that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s teachings show that the path of truth may be difficult, but it alone can change the course of history. Remaining steadfast in one’s faith is the true mark of heroism and spirituality, he added.
The play written and directed by Vijay Dhar, was staged by the RMK Arts Foundation, Jammu, with music and sound design by Kuldeep Sapru.
The event was attended by members of the Kashmiri and Sikh communities, university officials, and dignitaries, including Professor Dinesh Kumar, VC of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University; Professor Sanjay Kaushik, VC of Gurugram University; Amit Arya, VC of Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts and Rajiv Jetley, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister.
