In a poignant tribute, Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Governor of West Bengal, paid his respects to Guru Tegh Bahadur on his Martyrdom Day. Dhankhar, acknowledging the valor and sacrifice of the ninth Sikh guru, called on individuals to heed the eternal message of selfless service and righteousness, urging rededication to the cause of the greater good of humanity.
Guru Tegh Bahadur: A Legacy of Principled Leadership
Guru Tegh Bahadur, born on 1 April 1621, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, stands as the ninth luminary in the line of Sikh gurus. From 1665 until his beheading in 1675, he led the Sikhs with principled leadership and unwavering commitment to justice. The youngest son of Guru Hargobind, Guru Tegh Bahadur was not only a fearless warrior but also a learned spiritual scholar and poet. His 115 hymns, included in the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to resonate as a spiritual guide for Sikhs worldwide.
The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur: A Symbol of Resistance
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life took a tragic turn when he was executed on the orders of Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, in Delhi, India. His martyrdom, marked by the Sikh holy premises Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi, symbolizes a steadfast resistance against oppression and a sacrifice for the principles of religious freedom and human rights.
Shaheedi Divas: A Day of Remembrance and Renewal
Every year on 24 November, India commemorates Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Shaheedi Divas, a day of remembrance and reflection on his sacrifice. Jagdeep Dhankhar’s words echo the sentiments of millions as he encourages individuals to not only remember Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom but also to internalize the eternal message he left behind.
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Call to Action: Embracing Righteousness and Serving Humanity
Governor Dhankhar’s call for people to follow Guru Tegh Bahadur’s message of righteousness and dedicate themselves to the greater good of humanity is a timely reminder. In a world grappling with various challenges, the values espoused by Guru Tegh Bahadur — courage, justice, and selfless service — remain beacons of inspiration.
