Chandigarh, December 21: A religious congregation dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was organised at Gurdwara Sahib Gobindpura in Bhambholi, where Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended as the chief guest and paid floral tributes to the ninth Sikh Guru.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that being present on this sacred land filled him with reverence and pride. He stated that the congregation was a tribute not only to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice but also to the unparalleled martyrdom of Mata Gujri Ji and the four Sahibzadas, who laid down their lives to protect faith, truth and humanity.
The Chief Minister said that the recitation of Gurbani by renowned religious scholars and kirtan jathas during the samagam would inspire both the sangat and the younger generation by reminding them of the sacrifices made by the Guru Sahibans and the Sahibzadas. He announced a grant of ₹31 lakh for the Gurdwara Trust. In return, the Gurdwara management honoured the Chief Minister with a siropa, a portrait of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and a ceremonial sword.
Highlighting the large blood donation camp organised during the event, the Chief Minister said that it reflected the Guru’s teachings that service to humanity is the highest form of worship. He praised the youth who participated in the camp, noting that donated blood has the power to save lives. He also thanked Baba Jasdeep Singh and the organisers for arranging the samagam.
Recalling Sikh history, the Chief Minister said that the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family is regarded as one of the greatest sacrifices in world history. He said that the bravery of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who embraced martyrdom at the tender ages of six and nine, remains unmatched. He noted that there is no parallel in history where such young children chose to be bricked alive rather than abandon their faith.
He said this supreme sacrifice proves that courage is not defined by age. The role of Mata Gujri Ji, who inspired her grandsons to remain steadfast in their faith even while imprisoned in harsh conditions, continues to be a guiding light for mothers and women today.
The Chief Minister said that the sacrifices of the Sahibzadas will continue to inspire generations with patriotism. Keeping this in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 26 to be observed every year as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ across the country. He added that the more people learn about the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family, the more they will be inspired to make the highest sacrifices for the nation.
He further said that the spirit of sacrifice was inherited by Guru Gobind Singh Ji from his grandfather, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who laid down his life to protect religious freedom. Marking the 350th year of his martyrdom, the Chief Minister said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji symbolised a belief that religion is not limited to rituals but is inseparable from rights, freedom and justice.
The Chief Minister said the Haryana government is actively working to spread the teachings and principles of the Guru Sahibans among the masses. He noted that a series of programmes were organised across the state from Haryana Day on November 1 to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom day on November 25. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the state-level event in Kurukshetra on November 25, where a commemorative stamp and coin were released and a coffee table book on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life was unveiled.
He said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership over the past 11 years, Sikh heritage, Guru gaddis and historic sites have received unprecedented recognition as part of national policy.
The Chief Minister announced that the medical college being constructed in Yamunanagar will be named after “Hind Di Chadar” Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He also mentioned that a research chair on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has been established at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, and that Government Polytechnic, Ambala, has been renamed in his honour. Additionally, the Haryana government has decided to provide government jobs to one member from each of the 121 families in the state affected by the 1984 riots.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, BJP district president Rajesh Sapra, former cabinet minister Kanwar Pal, former MLAs Balwant Singh and Bishanlal Saini, senior officials and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
