Fanaticism couldn’t separate people from their faith: Modi on Sikh guru’s anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 21) spoke about the great bravery of Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, asserting that religious fanaticism prevalent in that era couldn’t separate the people from their faith.

Addressing an event from the Red Fort to celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Modi said the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib near the Red Fort stands as a symbol of the sacrifice of the sikh leader.

“Big powers have disappeared, big storms have calmed down, but India still stands immortal and is moving ahead,” Modi asserted.

“Today, once again, the world is looking towards India with hope and expectation. We feel the blessings of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji everywhere in the aura of new India,” he said.

In an apparent reference to the Russian offensive in Ukraine, Modi said that India strives for peace with complete stability even amid global conflicts.

Hailing the traditions of Sikh gurus, he said India’s freedom from hundreds of years of slavery cannot be separated from its spiritual and cultural journey. Citing the efforts by his government for the community, including its decision to observe Veer Bal Diwas on December 26 to commemorate the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, Modi said the Citizenship (Amendment) Act has paved the way for granting citizenship to families of Sikhs and other minorities that have come to India from neighbouring countries.

“All this was possible because the Gurus taught us to give primacy to humanity. Love and harmony are part of our values,” he said.

The Modi government has been consistent in its attempts to reach out to the Sikh community. Modi said his government has shown its commitment to guru seva by constructing the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for which people had been waiting for decades.

“Our government has also ensured modernisation of rail facilities for Patna Sahib and other places connected with Guru Govind Singh,” Modi said.

“When it comes to bringing the swaroop of the Guru Granth Sahib, our government makes an all-out effort. We not only bring the swaroop of the Guru Granth Sahib on our head with respect but we also save our Sikh brothers in danger,” he said, referring to the evacuation exercise from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover.

The government is making continuous efforts to connect various holy places of the Sikhs, he said.

“This gurudwara reminds us how great was the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to protect our great culture. At that time, there was a storm of religious fanaticism in the country. India, which considered religion as a matter of philosophy, science and self-reflection, was facing people who had committed violence and atrocities in the name of religion,” Modi said.

Stating that India has never posed a threat to any country or society, Modi said the country is committed to the welfare of the whole world. “When we talk about self-reliant India, we keep the progress of the whole world at the forefront.”

“Today’s India strives for peace with complete stability even in the midst of global conflicts. India is equally firm on its defence and security,” he said.

The prime minister also released a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the occasion. The programme was focused on highlighting the teachings of the ninth Sikh Guru who sacrificed his life to protect religion, human values, ideals and principles.

Guru Tegh Bahadurs death anniversary is commemorated as Shaheedi Divas every year on November 24. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is built at the spot where he was beheaded, and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj is his cremation site.

His legacy serves as a great unifying force for the nation, Modi said.

The fort was chosen as the venue for the event as it was from here that Aurangzeb had given orders for the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675, Culture Ministry officials said.

The event saw performances by 400 Sikh musicians and langar was also held.

“New thinking, hard work and absolute dedication are the identity of Sikhs and this is also the country’s resolve in the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” the prime minister said, adding the people have to be proud of their identity.

“We have to be proud of local products and build a self-reliant India… We have to make an India whose strength is seen by the world and which takes the world to new heights,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)