Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy goes beyond religion: CM
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday said the life, sacrifice and character of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are not limited to any one era or community. She also said viewing Guru Tegh Bahadur merely as the Guru of a single faith would limit his towering personality.
Paying tributes to him in the Delhi Assembly, she said Guru Tegh Bahadur was among the greatest protectors of India’s shared culture, collective consciousness and civilisational values. His life represents an eternal ideal of courage, truth, righteousness and human values in human history, the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister informed the House that the grand and divine three-day congregation organised by the Delhi Government at the Red Fort complex to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur was not just an event, but a powerful effort to connect history with the present generation.
She also said she did not deserve any personal credit for the event, and that whatever was achieved was possible only due to the grace and blessings of Guru Sahib.
Rekha Gupta said that following an unfortunate incident that had occurred earlier outside the Red Fort, there were widespread security concerns. She discussed the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and with the cooperation of the Central Government, comprehensive security arrangements were put in place.
As a result, lakhs of devotees were able to participate in the congregation dedicated to Guru Sahib Ji. She informed the Assembly that the number of devotees was so large that the tents at the venue had to be expanded further. This clearly shows that the sacrifice of Guru Sahib continues to live in the hearts of the people.
Recalling the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Chief Minister said it was a historic coincidence that the very Red Fort from where decrees were once issued against Guru Tegh Bahadur today resonated with the melodious recitation of Gurbani.
Thousands of devotees bowed their heads in reverence, and through the langar, a living example of service and equality was witnessed. She said the museum set up during the congregation presented a powerful portrayal of Guru Sahib’s life, struggles and martyrdom.
The Chief Minister said the Delhi Government ensured that the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur reaches future generations. With this objective, the Education Department distributed five lakh books in Delhi’s schools. In addition, students of Delhi Government schools were taken to those gurdwaras where Guru Tegh Bahadur had visited. Recalling the immortal words of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Chief Minister quoted, Dharam het saka jin kiya, Sis diya par sirar na diya.
She said Guru Tegh Bahadur laid down his head for the protection of religion and humanity, but never compromised on his principles and self-respect. He refused to bow before the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
Guru Sahib made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits. She said Guru Tegh Bahadur is known as Hind ki Chadar, because he protected not only his own faith, but also the faith of others. Delhi’s Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib stand as living testimonies to his martyrdom and sacrifice.
In her address, the Chief Minister said societies which become disconnected from their history and roots are scattered like straws in strong winds. Taking pride in one’s culture, respecting values and remembering the sacrifices of our ancestors is the responsibility of all of us.
Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister consistently speaks of “development as well as heritage.” The Delhi Government is working in accordance with the same vision. The Government encourages every citizen living in Delhi to remain connected to their roots.
She said Delhi today has become a living reflection of a ‘Mini India’ and ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Her government has celebrated festivals from north to south with great enthusiasm, including the Kanwar Yatra, Ramlila, Chhath Mahaparv, Garba, Teej and Onam.
The Chief Minister assured the people of Delhi that her government will continue to work tirelessly for the preservation and promotion of culture. Delhi will be taken forward by treating it as one family, woven together in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ with every citizen moving ahead together.
