Chandigarh / Srinagar: On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal visited Gurdwara Chhathi Patshahi in Srinagar to participate in a devotional kirtan darbar commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Several members of the Punjab Cabinet were also present.
Arvind Kejriwal extended a warm invitation to people across the globe to join the celebrations at Anandpur Sahib, where the Punjab government is organizing special programs in honor of the Guru’s supreme sacrifice. He highlighted that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, was undertaken to protect the Hindu faith, marking one of history’s greatest acts of courage.
Kejriwal’s Reflections
Kejriwal described it as a privilege to participate in the kirtan darbar, noting that while Srinagar is often visited for tourism and work, this visit was spiritually significant. “We have gathered here to honor the 350th martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as the crown of martyrs. Such supreme sacrifice is unparalleled in any religion worldwide,” he said.
He also recalled the historical plight of Kashmiri Pandits, who sought help from Guru Tegh Bahadur and were aided by his intervention, emphasizing the Guru’s role in safeguarding religious freedom. Kejriwal urged everyone to attend the Anandpur Sahib programs and participate in the diverse events organized by the Punjab government.
Bhagwant Mann’s Remarks
CM Bhagwant Mann said that earlier, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life was only briefly mentioned in school textbooks. The Punjab government has now included his biography extensively so that children learn about the sacrifices of the Guru and his four sons. Mann stressed that awards like the Padma Shri honor the performers of devotional music but do not add to their spiritual legacy.
He further outlined the upcoming events at Anandpur Sahib: kirtan jatthas arriving on November 22, an interfaith conference and continuous reading on November 23, and a special assembly session on November 24 for historic decisions, to be attended by the full cabinet, Assembly Speaker, and dignitaries including CM Omar Abdullah and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha.
Global Invitation
Both leaders urged citizens worldwide to attend the 350th martyrdom anniversary celebrations, emphasizing the spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of Anandpur Sahib as a beacon of courage, faith, and unity.
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