Chandigarh, January 3 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said that Nihang Singhs have historically stood as fearless warriors dedicated to the protection of religion, the nation and humanity. He said the very meaning of the word “Nihang” signifies a brave and fearless heart, and the Guru Sahiban themselves bestowed upon Nihang Singhs the form of the armed “Akal Sena” to safeguard dharma and the country.
Addressing a Nihang Singh Sampradaya conference at his Chandigarh residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, the Chief Minister said the establishment of the Nihang Singh tradition within the Khalsa Panth was aimed at defending India’s civilisation and culture from external aggressors. On the occasion, Nihang Singh representatives honoured the Chief Minister with a saropa and a memento.
Recalling history, Saini said Nihang Singhs played a decisive role in resisting repeated invasions by Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali in the 18th century. He added that the strength of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sarkar-e-Khalsa was also built on the valour of Nihang warriors, who formed a special fighting unit adept at confronting Mughal forces. From the battlefields of Bhangani and Chamkaur to the era of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Baba Deep Singh, Nihang Singhs stood as shields for the Guru Sahiban and reinforced the Khalsa Panth through unmatched courage and sacrifice.
The Chief Minister said the Haryana government is continuously working to take the teachings of the Guru Sahiban to the masses. Referring to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, he said several programmes were organised across the state last November. A grand state-level event was held at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra on November 25, 2025, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated and released commemorative coins, postage stamps and a coffee table book dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, with lakhs of devotees paying homage.
Saini said four religious yatras were taken out from Rori, Pinjore, Faridabad and Sadhaura, which passed through different regions and culminated in Kurukshetra. A ‘Hind Ki Chadar’ marathon was organised in Karnal with participation of over 80,000 people, while a tribute ceremony was held at the martyrdom site of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya in village Barakhalsa, Sonipat.
He further said decisions have been taken to establish a forest in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Kalesar in Yamunanagar and to construct a memorial gate in his honour. A Guru Tegh Bahadur Agriculture College will be opened at Kishanpura in Yamunanagar. The government has also provided jobs to one member of each of the 121 Sikh families affected during the 1984 riots, with appointment letters distributed on Veer Bal Diwas in Panchkula by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Chief Minister said the Haryana Assembly unanimously passed a resolution during the winter session to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. A research chair established in his name at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, will promote new research traditions. Several institutions and roads across the state have been named after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Mata Gujri Ji to preserve their legacy.
Highlighting Haryana’s progress, Saini said the state, once referred to as Punjab’s younger brother, has today emerged among the leading states of the country due to strong leadership, progressive policies and support from the Centre. He said Haryana has carved a new identity in investment, development, per capita income, human development, farmer welfare, women empowerment, youth participation and sports, adding that Nihang Singhs can play a decisive role in restoring Punjab’s past glory as well.
The event was attended by Nihang Singh Sampradaya leaders including Baba Jaswant Singh, Baba Davinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Mata Jasbir Kaur and several others, along with senior officials from the Chief Minister’s office.
