DEHRADUN: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday paid solemn homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur on the occasion of his martyrdom day, stating that the Guru’s sacrifice stands as an eternal symbol of courage, compassion, and the protection of human dignity. The tribute, delivered through an official message issued from the Chief Minister’s Office, reaffirmed the timeless significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings in safeguarding religious freedom and cultural identity across India.
Our correspondent reports that Dhami described Guru Tegh Bahadur as a towering figure in Indian history whose martyrdom cannot be confined to the boundaries of any one community. “Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life not only for the defence of religion but also to protect the values of humanity and our shared cultural heritage,” the Chief Minister said. “His teachings inspire us to uphold unity, brotherhood, and social harmony.”
Dhami noted that Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi, shares deep cultural and spiritual ties with the Sikh Gurus, whose teachings emphasise compassion, bravery, and service. He said the values espoused by Guru Tegh Bahadur resonate strongly with the people of the state, where sacrifice, duty, and moral integrity hold a special place in the public consciousness.
The Chief Minister added that the message of Guru Tegh Bahadur becomes especially relevant in the modern context, where protecting communal harmony and safeguarding cultural identity remain key societal challenges. “Guru Tegh Bahadur ji’s martyrdom reminds us that defending truth and righteousness is the foundation of any civilised society. His legacy strengthens our resolve to build an inclusive and harmonious nation,” Dhami stated.
Across Uttarakhand, gurdwaras in Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haldwani, Rudrapur, and Kashipur held special prayers, kirtan programmes, and community service activities to mark the day. Several social and cultural organisations organised seminars and discussions on the Guru’s life, his teachings, and their enduring relevance.
Historical Context: The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism, is widely revered as the ‘Hind-di-Chadar’, the shield of India, owing to his supreme sacrifice in 1675. Born in 1621 in Amritsar, the Guru was deeply shaped by the teachings of his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib, and the philosophy of miri-piri, which integrates spiritual wisdom with temporal courage.
In one of the most defining moments in Indian history, Guru Tegh Bahadur offered his life to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits who were facing forced conversions under Mughal rule. He willingly faced arrest, torture, and execution in Delhi rather than surrender the principle of freedom of conscience. His martyrdom marked a profound assertion of the right of every individual to practice their faith without fear.
His hymns, many of which are part of the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasise inner strength, detachment from materialism, compassion, and unshakable devotion to truth. These teachings continue to inspire millions globally.
Significance of the Martyrdom Day
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom is commemorated across India and the world to honour:
Freedom of religion and conscience
Protection of the oppressed
Courage in the face of tyranny
Commitment to peace and moral integrity
For many scholars, the Guru’s sacrifice remains unparalleled in world history as a defence of universal human rights.
The day concluded with programmes across Uttarakhand highlighting the Guru’s enduring legacy and his extraordinary contribution to India’s civilisational ethos.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
