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State-Level Function Organised in Panchkula on the 420th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Teachings of Guru Sahib are Our Greatest Inspiration in Building a Viksit Bharat: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, June 18: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the sacrifice of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, is a unique example of truth, righteousness, humanity and spiritual strength in Indian history. His life and martyrdom inspire us never to bow before injustice, oppression and falsehood.

The Chief Minister was addressing a state-level function organised in Panchkula on the occasion of the 420th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji on Thursday. A documentary film based on the life of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was also screened on the occasion. The Chief Minister also participated in Chhabeel Seva. Numerous saints and spiritual leaders from Haryana and Punjab attended the programme and appreciated the Haryana Government for organising the event, expressing their gratitude to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Addressing the gathering organised under the Haryana Government’s Sant Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prasar Yojana, the Chief Minister said that he felt fortunate to be present at the event held on the sacred land of Sri Mata Mansa Devi and Sri Nada Sahib. Paying floral tributes to Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, he said that the Guru’s sacrifice is not only the heritage of the Sikh community but a source of inspiration for the entire nation.

He said that India’s history is filled with a glorious tradition of sacrifice, penance, devotion and spiritual valour. Whenever the nation, religion, culture and humanity faced challenges, saints and Gurus came forward with their sacrifices to protect truth and righteousness. The martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji stands as one of the greatest examples of this noble tradition.

The Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji played a historic role in uniting society and bringing humanity together. He established Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and ensured that it had four entrances, symbolising that the holy shrine is open to all humanity irrespective of caste, class or religion. He said Guru Sahib had, centuries ago, given practical shape to the ideals of social harmony, equality and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that by compiling the teachings of saints such as Sant Kabir, Sant Namdev, Baba Farid and Sant Ravidas in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji created an unparalleled example of unity in diversity. He said Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji continues to serve as a spiritual beacon guiding humanity.

The Chief Minister said that Martyrdom Day is not merely an occasion to pay tribute but also an opportunity for self-reflection. Remembering Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s sacrifice fills us with pride while also reminding us of the immense suffering he endured for the protection of truth and faith. He said the Mughal ruler Jahangir became fearful of Guru Sahib’s growing influence and spiritual awakening among the people. Guru Sahib was imprisoned in Lahore and subjected to inhuman torture, yet he never compromised on his principles.

He said that making Guru Sahib sit on a burning iron plate, pouring hot sand over his body and inflicting unbearable pain represented the peak of cruelty. Yet, not a trace of distress appeared on Guru Sahib’s face. Uttering the words “Tera Kiya Meetha Lage”, he accepted the will of the Almighty. The Chief Minister said this was not merely a martyrdom but the highest example of spiritual resilience, inner strength and unwavering faith in God.

He said Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s sacrifice teaches us never to compromise on truth, justice and culture. At a time when the country is moving towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the teachings of Guru Sahib continue to guide the nation.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana has always been the land of saints, Gurus and brave warriors. Its soil carries both the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the sacrifices made by great Gurus. To preserve and promote this heritage, the State Government is working with full commitment.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, significant efforts have been made across the country to honour the contributions and sacrifices of Sikh Gurus. The celebration of the 400th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the observance of Veer Bal Diwas at the national level and the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor are historic steps in this direction.

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government has also taken several important initiatives to introduce the history and teachings of Sikh Gurus to the younger generation. The history of Sikh Gurus has been included in the Class VIII history curriculum. Students will now also study the sacrifice, contributions and ideals of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

He further informed that special trains were operated from Kurukshetra and Sirsa for pilgrims visiting Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded. In addition, the State Government has provided for one government job to a member of each of the 121 families affected by the 1984 riots. On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah handed over appointment letters to members of these families in Panchkula.

The Chief Minister said that nearly nine acres of land belonging to the historic Gurdwara Chilla Sahib in Sirsa had been transferred in the name of the Gurdwara free of cost. He personally handed over the relevant documents in the presence of the Sangat. He further informed that the medical college under construction in Yamunanagar has been named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Similarly, the Government Polytechnic College in Ambala and the Tohana–Jind–Dhamtan Sahib Road have also been named in honour of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Sikh Gurus spread the message of equality, service, compassion, brotherhood and social justice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” is also inspired by these values. He said that serving the last person in society is the truest form of religion.

He added that the Langar tradition started by the Gurus conveys the message of equality and humanity, teaching that kings and commoners, rich and poor, are all equal. Eliminating caste discrimination, untouchability and social divisions is essential for building a harmonious and strong society.

Calling upon the youth, the Chief Minister urged them to draw inspiration from the glorious history and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus. He said that when young people understand their heritage and history, they gain confidence and become more capable of contributing to nation-building.

He called upon everyone to follow the path of truth, service, compassion and remembrance of God as shown by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. This, he said, would be the truest tribute to Guru Sahib and the most effective way to strengthen peace, harmony and brotherhood in society.

On the occasion, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, President of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda, Badkhal MLA Dhanesh Adlakha, OSD to the Chief Minister Dr. Prabhleen Singh, Giani Harpreet Singh, HSGMC Vice-President S. Gurmeet Singh, former Haryana Assembly Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Sant Baba Joga Singh, Sardar Jasdeep Singh, Mahant Mahesh Muni, Sant Baba Mani Singh Jurasi Wale, Swami Rajeshwaranand, Baba Sultan Singh, Baba Devender Singh Israna and a large number of distinguished guests were present.