Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday unveiled the official logo for state-level commemorative events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, reiterating the government’s commitment to observe the historic occasion with humility and grandeur.
Calling the Ninth Sikh Guru the “Hind Di Chadar” – protector of human rights and religious freedom – Mann said that a series of spiritual and cultural programmes have been planned across Punjab to pay homage to his supreme sacrifice. “The life and philosophy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are a lighthouse for humanity, symbolising courage, righteousness, and compassion. These commemorations will not only honour his legacy but also inspire people to live by his teachings,” the Chief Minister said.
As part of the schedule, a massive Kirtan Darbar will be organised in Delhi on October 25, followed by a state-level commemorative event at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 25. Four Nagar Kirtans will commence on November 20 from Jammu, Gurdaspur, Faridkot, and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. These will converge at Anandpur Sahib on November 22, after which a series of functions will be held in the holy city from November 23 to 25.
Mann emphasised that the celebrations will centre around Anandpur Sahib, the sacred land closely associated with Guru Sahib, under the direct aegis of the Punjab government. “The underlying message of these programmes will be to encourage people to uphold the ideals of secularism, humanism, and the spirit of sacrifice as enshrined by Guru Ji,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom was a unique moment in world history, where he chose death over compromise to protect the right to worship and preserve human rights. “His sacrifice was a crusade against tyranny and oppression, and his Bani in Sri Guru Granth Sahib continues to guide humanity towards universal brotherhood, equality, and peace,” Mann noted.
He urged people to mark the occasion in the spirit of harmony and social cohesion, rising above divisions of caste, creed, or religion. “This is a sacred opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves to serving society, especially the poor and underprivileged, with missionary zeal. The legacy of Guru Sahib must be carried forward to future generations,” he said, assuring that the state government will leave no stone unturned to make the commemorations memorable.
On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, and Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Advisor for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali, and senior officials were also present.