Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj, the ninth Guru of the Sikh tradition and a revered protector of India, on the occasion of his 350th martyrdom anniversary. At a special Gurumati Samagam held at DAV College, Aishbagh, on Tuesday, he bowed before Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and listened to the Shabad Kirtan.
The Chief Minister also remembered Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj along with Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji, extending heartfelt tribute on behalf of millions of citizens. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that truth can never be diminished. He added, “Empires rose and fell, generations came and went, yet unwavering faith has remained the guiding force.”
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He said that it is this enduring spiritual strength that has brought the nation to historic moments, including the construction and consecration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and today's solemn remembrance. During the ceremony, the Gurudwara Management Committee honored the Chief Minister with a Siropa, a Kirpan, and a portrait of Guru Sahib.
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Speaking further, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted that the entire nation is emotionally connected to this day, which serves as an inspiration for all. He recalled that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj stood firm against injustice during a time when oppressive attempts were made to forcibly alter religious and cultural identities. When persecution intensified, and people in distress sought protection, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji stepped forward with courage and compassion. At just nine years of age, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, then Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s young son, had also encouraged him to take this stand for righteousness and freedom of faith.
The Chief Minister reflected on the profound sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and those who stood alongside him with devotion and resilience. He emphasized that their steadfastness created an unparalleled legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to dharma. Remembering Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, he said that the world rarely witnesses an example of such sacrifice, where a son loses his father to martyrdom, and later his own four Sahibzadas give their lives for the protection of faith and humanity. Guru Gobind Singh Ji stands as a symbol of extraordinary bravery, leadership, and spiritual strength.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “It is a privilege to be present among all of you today on the sacred soil of Ayodhya. Earlier today, India’s esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, arrived in Ayodhya. To celebrate the completion of the grand Shri Ram Temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, the Sanatan saffron flag was ceremonially hoisted atop the temple. This saffron flag is a sacred symbol that generations of Sikh Gurus and countless brave individuals have protected with unwavering commitment.”
He recalled that between 1510 and 1515, the first Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, visited Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Later, in 1528, when the temple was demolished during Babur’s rule, Guru Nanak Dev Ji courageously condemned the injustices of that period. Chief Minister Yogi stated that throughout history, whenever there was a call to protect Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, Sikh Gurus, warriors, saints, Nihang warriors, kings, and ordinary citizens stepped forward without hesitation.
Reflecting on the occasion, he said, “Today, the same unshakeable faith that witnessed the reconstruction of the Shri Ram Temple after 500 years is reflected in this gathering. Even after 350 years, Sikhs and Sanatanis continue to remember Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj and all the martyrs with deep respect and gratitude. This spirit of remembrance keeps our cultural, spiritual, and historical bonds alive.”
He noted that the unparalleled sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji received formal national recognition in 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas. He said this observance inspires the younger generation to honor and emulate those who serve the nation and dharma with courage and dedication. “Today is a moment for all of us to express heartfelt gratitude,” he added.
The Chief Minister also stated that Lucknow is blessed by the historic association of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj, who visited the Yahiyaganj Gurudwara when Guru Gobind Singh Ji was an infant. He emphasized that these sacred memories continue to illuminate the spiritual landscape of Uttar Pradesh, and the government remains committed to preserving and strengthening them.
He concluded by urging everyone to keep their faith in the Guru Parampara, national icons, and all who served the cause of dharma as steadfast as the saffron flag itself, a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and eternal inspiration. Senior ministers and dignitaries, including Sardar Baldev Singh Aulakh, Danish Ansari, Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Dr. Amarjit Singh, members of the Minority Commission, and other community leaders, were present at the event.
Yogi Adityanath Is Respected Across The World: Aulakh
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Minister Sardar Baldev Singh Aulakh said that during the Mughal era, when attempts were made to impose forced conversions, the Sikh community sought the guidance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj, who stood firmly to protect freedom of worship and culture. He added, “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is highly respected globally. The Sikh community was confident that he would join today’s ceremony, and he fulfilled that expectation. His efforts to honor Sikh history and celebrate Sikh festivals are exceptional and unparalleled.”
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