Srinagar, Nov 18(KNS): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday joined the Sangat at Gurudwara Chevin Patshahi in Srinagar during a Kirtan Darbar organised by the Punjab government to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal said the occasion was meant to highlight Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message on freedom of faith, peaceful coexistence, and the right to practice religion without interference.
He said the sacrifice made by the ninth Sikh Guru in Delhi for the protection of religious rights stands as a significant historical moment.
Kejriwal added that the Punjab government had prepared a series of programmes to mark the anniversary and to create awareness about Guru Sahib’s life and teachings.
Kejriwal said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji upheld the principle of protecting the rights of all communities and that Kashmir Pandits had approached him seeking support during a period of religious repression under past rulers.
He said Guru Sahib declined to accept any concessions from the authorities of that time and chose martyrdom instead, setting an example of resistance against coercion. He noted that this episode holds a prominent place in Sikh history and continues to be observed worldwide.
He also mentioned that the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is linked with earlier sacrifices made by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and later by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose actions further shaped Sikh history.
In his address, as per KNS, Chief Minister Mann said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s actions influenced the social and historical trajectory of the subcontinent.
He referenced Pandit Kirpa Ram of Mattan, who had led a group of Kashmiri Pandits seeking Guru Sahib’s support. Mann said Kashmiri Pandits would also participate in the Nagar Kirtan planned in Srinagar as part of the commemorative events.
The Chief Minister said the purpose of the programmes is to present Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s principles before a wider audience. He said the state government is conducting events within and outside Punjab to highlight the Guru’s teachings on harmony and religious freedom.(KNS)
