Mumbai, March 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah voiced concerns on Sunday regarding reports of a surge in religious conversions within Punjab, suggesting such practices often contradict the historical legacy of the Sikh Gurus. Speaking at an event in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Shah appealed to the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government to implement measures to curb conversions driven by allurement.
The Home Minister stated that any conversion occurring through greed or material incentives defies the core principles established by the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of others. “It has been said that religious conversions are taking place in Punjab. Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed himself to protect others’ religions,” Shah asserted during the gathering. He maintained that both the state government and society must take a stand to halt these activities.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Guru’s sacrifice, Shah affirmed that the protection of the Hindu faith during the Mughal era was a direct result of the Guru’s endurance of immense hardship. He declared that without this martyrdom, the survival of the faith globally would have been in jeopardy. The Home Minister noted that followers of Sanatan Dharma worldwide remain grateful for this sacrifice, which provided India the courage to face historical adversity.
Shah also expressed gratitude toward the Maharashtra government for unifying various ‘Nanak Naam Leva’ communities, including the Vanjara and Sikligar groups, for the commemoration. He urged the public to adhere to the fundamental Sikh tenets of honest labor and sharing with others. The Home Minister concluded by noting the vital role of the five Sikh Takhts and the lineage of the ten Gurus in strengthening the fabric of Indian society and combating social evils.
