The North News
Chandigarh/Guwahati, October 22
A delegation from the Punjab government led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Wednesday met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati to formally invite him to the upcoming commemorative events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The high-level meeting reflected a message of national unity and shared reverence for the Ninth Sikh Guru, widely remembered as Hind Di Chadar for his sacrifice to defend religious freedom and human rights.
Cheema and Kataruchak personally handed over the formal invitation to Sarma, outlining a series of commemorative events planned across historically significant sites. The Punjab government aims to celebrate the life, teachings and unparalleled sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur through these national-scale programs.
“The sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji transcends religious boundaries. It is a powerful lesson in defending human rights and the freedom of conscience,” Cheema said. “By inviting Chief Minister Sarma, we want this occasion to reflect the Guru’s message of inclusive brotherhood and courage.”
Kataruchak added that the invitation symbolises a bond between states. “Assam, too, holds a deep respect for the Sikh Gurus. We believe CM Sarma’s presence will further strengthen the cultural and historical ties between Punjab and Assam,” he said.
Sarma, while accepting the invitation, expressed deep respect for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s contribution to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He said the Assam government “acknowledges the monumental role the Guru played in shaping the nation’s conscience” and assured that the state would explore all possibilities for participation in the commemorative events.
The Punjab government is organising a series of programmes to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary, with a focus on spreading the Guru’s teachings of courage, faith and universal brotherhood.
