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Kurukshetra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur, describing the ninth Sikh Guru as a timeless symbol of courage who made the supreme sacrifice to uphold satya (truth), nyaya (justice) and dharma (faith). Modi said Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom was a beacon for humanity and that his government remained committed to serving the revered guru parampara with the same spirit.

The Prime Minister was speaking in Kurukshetra at a special commemorative programme organised to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. During the event, he also released a special commemorative coin and postal stamp dedicated to the Guru’s legacy—an initiative meant to honour his unmatched sacrifice and to spread his message among future generations.

‘From Ayodhya to Kurukshetra — a day of sacred blessings’

Sharing details of his day’s engagements, Modi said he felt “blessed” to have begun the morning in Ayodhya, the city of the Ramayana, and to conclude the evening in Kurukshetra, the land of Lord Krishna. These two holy sites, he said, symbolised India’s civilisational continuity and spiritual ethos.

Recalling the developments of November 9, 2019—the day the Supreme Court delivered its landmark verdict on the Ram Temple—Modi said he was then at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab, inaugurating the historic Kartarpur Corridor. “I prayed that the path for the Ram temple’s construction be cleared and that the aspirations of Ram devotees be fulfilled. God heard those prayers,” he said, adding that the verdict was a moment of deep emotional significance for millions.

‘Sikh Sangat’s blessings a privilege’

Modi said it was again a matter of profound honour that he received the blessings of the Sikh Sangat on such a momentous occasion. He emphasised that the Sikh Gurus had always inspired society to stand firm against injustice and tyranny.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also unveiled the newly constructed ‘Panchjanya’ memorial in Kurukshetra. The memorial is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s legendary conch, which symbolises righteousness, moral courage and the eternal call to protect truth.

‘Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied the highest dharma’

Drawing a parallel between the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Modi said Lord Krishna, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, had declared that protecting truth and justice was the highest duty. Quoting the Gita’s verse “Swadharme nidhanam shreyah”—meaning it is noble to sacrifice one’s life for one’s righteous duty—Modi said Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied this philosophy in its purest form. “Guru Tegh Bahadur considered it his sacred duty to protect truth, justice and religious freedom, and he made the supreme sacrifice for it,” Modi said. “The nation will forever remain indebted to him. Our government will continue to serve the guru parampara with devotion and commitment.”