Tributes Paid to Guru Tegh Bahadur on 350th Shaheedi Anniversary in Vigyan Bhawan

• Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan hosted the 350th martyrdom anniversary event of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
• Senior dignitaries emphasised his message of spiritual strength, human values and resistance to intolerance.
• Speakers highlighted the historical context of his sacrifice and its relevance today.
• Representatives from multiple communities participated in the commemorative programme.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th Nov: The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj, revered as Hind Ki Chadar, was commemorated at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday. The event, titled the “Ninth Patshahi Shaheedi Samagam,” was held under the banner of the “Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Shaheedi 350th Salaa Organising Committee, Delhi.”

Dr. Charan Singh, former Chairman of Punjab and Sind Bank, attended as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Krishan Gopal, Sah-Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, delivered the keynote address. Prof. Jagbir Singh was the distinguished speaker. The programme was presided over by Justice Talwant Singh (Retd.), former Judge of the Delhi High Court and Chair of the organising committee.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. Charan Singh said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice was a message to the world that spirituality must guide material pursuits. He noted that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji dedicated his life to protecting human values. Referring to the unfurling of the flag at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on the Guru’s martyrdom day, he described it as a symbol of unity and triumph of righteousness.

Keynote speaker Dr. Krishan Gopal stressed the need to understand the historical backdrop of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom. He said the Guru stood against an intolerant and aggressive ideology that sought to suppress India’s civilisational thought, which has always embraced multiple beliefs. Highlighting the 1669 edicts issued during Aurangzeb’s reign—ordering destruction of temples and imposition of jizya—he said the Guru chose self-sacrifice to awaken society. “This was not a struggle against a ruler but against intolerance,” he remarked.

Dr. Gopal added that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji taught fearlessness, even in the face of death, and unity against oppression. He said ideological battles continue today, with one group pushing its doctrine at any cost while another seeks harmony. He criticised attempts to glorify Aurangzeb, calling such narratives an extension of the same intolerance the Guru resisted.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Jagbir Singh said awareness about Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice remains inadequate. He emphasised that Sikhism should not be viewed as separate from India’s broader spiritual traditions.

Justice Talwant Singh, chairing the session, said the martyrdom day inspires introspection and a resolve to imbibe the Guru’s teachings. He urged collective commitment to building a nation rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, religious harmony, global peace and tolerance.

The organising committee included representatives from diverse communities such as Valmiki Samaj, Sant Ravidas Samaj, Buddhist, Jain and Banjara communities. Members of the wider Hindu community paid homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, honouring his legacy of sacrifice, humanity, faith protection and tolerance.