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- The international seminar, organised jointly by the National Institute of Punjab Studies and the Department of Punjabi at the University of Delhi, drew a distinguished gathering that included former President Ram Nath Kovind, Member of Parliament Manish Tewari, author-diplomat Navtej Sarna, and Punjab Assembly Speaker Kulwant Singh Sandhwan.
- Scholars, writers, and leaders from across the country came together at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, whose supreme sacrifice in 1675 remains one of history’s most profound symbols of moral resistance.
- Author and former diplomat Navtej Sarna placed the Guru’s martyrdom within a historical and philosophical framework, calling it a defining moment in the Sikh and Indian spiritual tradition.
Scholars, writers, and leaders from across the country came together at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, whose supreme sacrifice in 1675 remains one of history’s most profound symbols of moral resistance.
The international seminar, organised jointly by the National Institute of Punjab Studies and the Department of Punjabi at the University of Delhi, drew a distinguished gathering that included former President Ram Nath Kovind, Member of Parliament Manish Tewari, author-diplomat Navtej Sarna, and Punjab Assembly Speaker Kulwant Singh Sandhwan. The event was attended by scholars, writers, and university students who filled the hall to reflect on the Guru’s enduring message of faith and freedom.
Remembering a Saint-Warrior
Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in Delhi on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending the right of Kashmiri Pandits to practise their faith. His refusal to yield to tyranny and his calm acceptance of death transformed him into a spiritual and national icon, inspiring the later formation of the Khalsa under Guru Gobind Singh.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurating the seminar, described Guru Tegh Bahadur as a “lighthouse for India,” whose sacrifice upheld the country’s civilisational ideal of freedom of conscience. He noted that the Guru’s teachings continue to offer lessons in courage and compassion amid contemporary challenges.
“India has always drawn strength from its saints and sages,” Kovind said. “Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice renewed the moral fabric of this nation.” He also urged that the Guru’s legacy be shared with younger generations through literature, art, and digital platforms.
A Legacy Beyond Boundaries
Author and former diplomat Navtej Sarna placed the Guru’s martyrdom within a historical and philosophical framework, calling it a defining moment in the Sikh and Indian spiritual tradition. “The tradition of martyrdom began with Guru Arjan Dev but reached an unparalleled height with Guru Tegh Bahadur,” Sarna said.
He reminded the audience that the Guru’s defiance was not for his community alone, but for the universal principle that no ruler has the right to dictate belief. Recalling the executions of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala, Sarna described them as acts of “spiritual bravery that transcended physical suffering.”
The Guru’s Message for Today
Punjab Assembly Speaker Kulwant Singh Sandhwan spoke passionately on the relevance of the Guru’s teachings in modern times. Switching between Hindi and Punjabi, he said, “We begin to dislike people for how they dress or what they eat. The Guru’s sacrifice shows another path — one of empathy and unity.”
He called Guru Tegh Bahadur’s voluntary approach to the oppressor “a unique moment in world history,” underscoring the Guru’s belief that resistance could be rooted in peace and self-sacrifice. Sandhwan also lauded Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan for preserving the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Sikh philosophy.
A Call to Uphold Moral Courage
Under the guidance of Dr. Mohinder Singh, Director General of the National Institute of Punjab Studies, the seminar underscored how the Guru’s message resonates even after three and a half centuries. Speakers described his final moments — serene, fearless, and unwavering in conviction — as a testament to the power of non-violent resistance against authoritarianism.
As the session concluded, participants echoed a shared resolve to bring the Guru’s ideals of equality, empathy, and moral courage into public consciousness.
For many in attendance, the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur — the “Hind di Chadar,” or protector of India — felt more relevant than ever: a reminder that standing up for another’s freedom remains the highest expression of one’s own humanity.
