Kurukshetra, Nov 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur, saying the ninth Sikh Guru considered protecting truth, justice, and faith his dharma, and sacrificed his life for it. Addressing a special programme marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary, Modi said his government will continue to uphold the ‘guru parampara’.
At the event, Modi released a commemorative coin and stamp to mark the occasion. “Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life for truth, justice, and faith, and it is our responsibility to continue serving the guru parampara,” he said.
Modi reflected on his journey earlier in the day, noting, “This morning, I was in ‘Ramayan ki Nagri’ Ayodhya, and now I am here on Lord Krishna’s land. When the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram temple came on November 9, 2019, I was at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor. I prayed for the fulfilment of devotees’ aspirations, and our prayers were answered.”
The Prime Minister also unveiled the newly constructed ‘Panchjanya’ memorial in Kurukshetra, dedicated to the sacred conch of Lord Krishna. Modi quoted the Bhagavad Gita, saying, “Swadharme nidhanam shreyah”—it is better to sacrifice one’s life for the sake of truth. He added that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji exemplified this teaching.
“Today, I have the opportunity to seek blessings from the Sikh Sangat,” Modi said, underscoring the continued significance of spiritual traditions in public life.
