The deep reverence and faith that Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds for the Sikh Gurus can be understood from a recent incident. When the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, visited India and expressed his wish to see historical sites in Delhi, PM Modi offered to take him to Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, the martyrdom site of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Luxon accepted the offer, as he had previously heard about Sikh Gurus from the Sikh community in New Zealand, particularly former minister Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi.
During their visit to Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, PM Modi personally narrated the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice to the New Zealand Prime Minister. Listening to this, Luxon developed a deep sense of respect for the Sikh Gurus. The visit was also attended by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Harmeet Singh Kalka, General Secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlo, and Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who had gathered to welcome the dignitaries.
This was not the first time PM Modi paid respects at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib. His government also officially celebrated Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 400th birth anniversary, and preparations are underway for the commemoration of his 350th martyrdom anniversary in November.
During his discussions with Luxon, PM Modi also addressed the issue of Khalistani activities in New Zealand, urging the government to take measures to curb them. Luxon assured that the matter would be looked into, as the rise of Khalistani activities in New Zealand has been a growing concern.
PM Modi’s choice to take the New Zealand Prime Minister to Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, despite the presence of many other religious sites in Delhi, has further strengthened his respect within the Sikh community. This gesture also serves as a response to those who, despite having worked with the BJP for years, now falsely accuse the party and the Modi government of being anti-Sikh, misleading the Sikh community.
