Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday attended the 350th martyrdom commemoration of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Gurdwara Sahib Gobindpura in Bhambhauli, where he participated as the chief guest and paid heartfelt tributes to the ninth Sikh Guru, revered as “Hind di Chadar” for his supreme sacrifice in defence of faith, freedom and human dignity.
Addressing the congregation, the Chief Minister said that being present on the sacred land on such an occasion filled him with deep reverence and pride. He described the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a defining moment in Indian history, noting that the Guru’s sacrifice was not only for the protection of a particular faith but for the preservation of India’s pluralistic ethos and the universal values of truth and justice.
CM Saini said the commemorative samagam was dedicated not only to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji but also to the unparalleled sacrifices of Mata Gujri Ji and the four Sahibzadas. He said the recitation of Gurbani and discourses by scholars during the samagam would spiritually enrich the sangat and inspire the younger generation to learn from the courage, discipline and selflessness of the Guru Sahib and the Sahibzadas.
Highlighting the social message of Sikh teachings, the Chief Minister appreciated the organisation of a large blood donation camp during the event, calling it a true extension of the Guru’s philosophy that service to humanity is the highest form of worship. He lauded the enthusiasm of the youth who came forward to donate blood, saying that a single unit of blood has the power to save lives and reflects the spirit of selfless service taught by the Sikh Gurus.
During the event, CM Saini announced a grant of Rs 31 lakh for the Gurdwara Trust to support religious and social activities. The Gurdwara management honoured the Chief Minister with a siropa and presented him with a portrait and a symbolic sword of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a mark of respect.
Recalling the supreme sacrifices of the family of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Chief Minister said that the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas remains one of the greatest sacrifices in world history. He said the courage of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who embraced martyrdom at a tender age rather than compromise their faith, continues to inspire generations. He noted that there is no parallel in history where children accepted such brutal punishment but refused to bow before injustice.
CM Saini said the sacrifice of Mata Gujri Ji, who even in the harsh conditions of imprisonment instilled unwavering faith and courage in her grandchildren, stands as a timeless example for society, particularly for mothers and women. He said these sacrifices teach that bravery is not measured by age but by conviction and commitment to truth.
Referring to the national recognition of this legacy, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to observe the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas every year on December 26 has ensured that their sacrifices remain alive in the national consciousness. He said that remembering such stories strengthens the spirit of patriotism and prepares citizens to make sacrifices for the nation when required.
CM Saini said the Haryana government is committed to spreading the teachings and ideals of the Sikh Gurus among the masses. He highlighted that several 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 the Prime Minister himself attended the state-level event in Kurukshetra on November 25, where a commemorative postage stamp and coin were released and a coffee table book on the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was unveiled.
The Chief Minister also outlined steps taken by the Haryana government to institutionalise the Guru’s legacy, including the establishment of a research chair on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa, renaming Government Polytechnic Ambala after the Guru, and naming the upcoming medical college in Yamunanagar in his honour. He further mentioned the state government’s decision to provide government jobs to one member of each of the 121 Haryana families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Thanking the management committee of Gurdwara Sahib Gobindpura for organising the samagam, CM Saini said such events play a vital role in strengthening social harmony, moral values and national unity, while keeping alive the timeless message of sacrifice and service left behind by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
