Navi Mumbai witnessed a historic gathering on March 1 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji via video conference. ‘We are all gathered here to honor ‘Hind di Chadar’ Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji on his 350th Shahidi Diwas,’ Modi began, paying homage to the attendees.
He emphasized India’s history of valor, harmony, and collaboration, noting how Maharashtra’s soil is hosting this event that embodies that legacy. During the Gurus’ era of supreme sacrifice, social unity played a pivotal role. Every community drew inspiration from the Gurus, learning to stand firm for truth and culture. Modi highlighted the role of gatherings like those led by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in fostering this unity, which is crucial today as the nation needs it more than ever.
This Shahidi Samagam is part of an ongoing journey that started last year in Nagpur, continued at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, and reached a key milestone in Navi Mumbai. The message has spread across Maharashtra’s villages, thanks to the state government’s efforts, which Modi congratulated.
Nationwide programs mark Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice, including a grand event in Kurukshetra that Modi attended. The central government celebrates all historical Sikh occasions nationally—from the 400th Prakash Parv to commemorative stamps and coins, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Prakash Parv, and the annual Veer Baal Diwas for the Sahibzadas.
Modi listed key initiatives: swift completion of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, new facilities for Hemkunt Sahib Yatra, FCRA relief for Sikh institutions, integrating Sikh history into curricula, and more. His government is committed to Sikhs’ honor and justice, reopening 1984 riot cases, forming SITs, securing convictions, providing extra compensation, and empowering the National Minorities Commission.
In Afghanistan, India rescued Guru Granth Sahib copies and facilitated citizenship for persecuted Sikhs and Hindus via CAA. Rehabilitation packages for J&K Sikhs, eased OCI/visa rules, removal of thousands from blacklists, and simplified travel for diaspora Sikhs underscore this dedication.
‘We see honoring Sikh faith and creating progress opportunities as both duty and privilege,’ Modi said. The spirit of courage and truth remains relevant, turning tradition into a guide for the future. He concluded with pranams and ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.’