The North News
Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 24
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday joined religious leaders from around the world to pay tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary. Speaking at the Sarb Dharam Sammelan, Kejriwal said he was grateful to all faith leaders who had gathered to honour the ninth Sikh Guru. He said Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice — made to defend the religious freedom of others — had few parallels in global history.
Kejriwal said the Guru’s message of humanism and universal welfare continued to inspire millions. The state government, he added, had organised a series of commemorative events and made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for visiting devotees. Funds had also been released for 142 villages linked to the Guru’s life to upgrade local infrastructure. He said every religion teaches compassion and peaceful coexistence, adding that the Sammelan aimed to promote Sarbat da Bhala — the Sikh principle of collective welfare. He urged people to follow the Guru’s teachings to build a harmonious society.
Chief Minister Mann said Punjab, the land of saints and martyrs, had always stood for unity and brotherhood. He described Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom as “supreme and unprecedented”, calling him a global symbol of religious freedom, secular values and human rights.
Mann said the state government would continue to organise annual events to preserve and promote the Guru’s legacy for future generations. Elaborate facilities, including parking zones, a tent city, 700 electric rickshaws and 20 mini-buses, had been deployed for pilgrims.
He added that the government would soon introduce curriculum changes to educate students about the contributions of Sikh Gurus and martyrs such as Bhai Sati Dass, Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Dyala Ji, Baba Jiwan Singh and Bhai Kirpa Singh. This, he said, was a “bounden duty” to safeguard Punjab’s cultural heritage.
