Mumbai/Amritsar, Oct 26, 2025(Yes Punjab News)
The Government of Maharashtra organized a grand, state-level commemoration of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at the Yogi Hall, Dadar, Mumbai.
The historic and spiritually uplifting event was presided over by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head of Damdami Taksal and President of the Sant Samaj.
During the ceremony, a soulful song titled “Hind Di Chadar” dedicated to the life and supreme sacrifice of Guru Sahib was released by renowned singer Dr. Satinder Sartaaj.
According to Bhai Jaspal Singh Sidhu, Head of the Sikh Coordination Committee, Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa expressed heartfelt gratitude to the large congregation present on the occasion.
He lauded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra Government for their deep reverence towards Guru Sahib and for organizing this historic anniversary at the state level with great devotion and dignity.
Sant Khalsa said that this initiative is not only a matter of pride for the Sikh community but also a reflection of India’s collective spiritual ethos — symbolizing religious tolerance, mutual respect, and national consciousness. “Our Gurus did not belong to one faith alone,” he said, “they stood as protectors of all humanity — and this message holds even greater significance today.”
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his emotional address, said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was not merely the protector of the Sikh faith but the savior of all Indian religions and beliefs, which is why he is rightfully revered as ‘Hind Di Chadar’ — the Shield of India.
He recalled the historical context, stating, “When Emperor Aurangzeb forced Kashmiri Pandits to convert to Islam, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji offered his head to defend their right to freedom of religion. His martyrdom challenged tyranny and gave rise to the spiritual power that later manifested as the Khalsa Panth.”
The Chief Minister added, “A society that forgets its history condemns its future to darkness.”
He emphasized that the freedom, dignity, and liberty of worship that Indians enjoy today are blessings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s supreme sacrifice.
He cautioned that divisive forces still exist in society, but Guru Sahib’s life and teachings continue to unite people across communities through the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and oneness.
He highlighted that this event brought together diverse communities — including Sikhs, Sindhis, Lubanas, Sikligars, Banjaras, and Mohyals — under the shared legacy of Guru Sahib. “This unity,” he said, “is not just social harmony but a living expression of India’s spiritual and cultural inclusiveness.”
Chief Minister Fadnavis further said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji represents the essence of universal inclusion — as it respectfully incorporates the hymns of great saints like Sant Namdev Ji and Bhagat Ravidas Ji Maharaj, among others.
He assured that the Maharashtra Government is committed to preserving and promoting this invaluable shared heritage for future generations.
On this occasion, the State-Level Workshop on “Hind Di Chadar – Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji 350th Martyrdom Anniversary” was inaugurated, along with the launch of a dedicated commemorative website and a historical publication based on Guru Sahib’s life and sacrifice.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including MLA Babu Singh Maharaj Rathore, Minister Girish Mahajan, Secretary of the Minority Department Rucheś Jaiwanshi, Dr. Satinder Sartaaj, Mahant Sunil Maharaj, Swami Hiranand, Rameshwar Nayak, Happy Singh (Member, State Minority Commission), Bhai Jaspal Singh Sidhu (Head, Sikh Coordination Committee), and Malkeet Singh Bal (Chairman, Punjabi Academy).
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