Sikhs have always defended nation and faith with unmatched courage: Yogi Adityanath

Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s 350th birth anniversary will be celebrated grandly in UP: Chief Minister

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Khalsa Panth Foundation Day and the Baisakhi festival. Addressing a program held at the Gurudwara in Yahiyaganj on Sunday, the Chief Minister paid homage to the unmatched legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699 with a clarion call to protect the nation and uphold religious values.

CM Yogi said that the establishment of the Khalsa Panth aimed to awaken a spiritual and cultural resurgence across the world. Guru Gobind Singh Ji envisioned the Khalsa as a force for righteousness and protection of dharma. He founded it with the Panj Pyare as a powerful stand against the tyranny of Aurangzeb’s rule, which was marked by forced conversions through Jizya, the demolition of temples, and grave violations of women’s dignity.

Highlighting the 325-year journey of the Khalsa Panth, CM Yogi praised the Sikh community for their unyielding bravery and devotion in defending the nation and its values during the most challenging times. He described the Sikh tradition, as initiated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and furthered by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, as unparalleled and spiritually rich.

The Chief Minister emphasized the courage and spiritual purity that define the Khalsa, stating that Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s mission was to create “special people of God” who act with purity of heart and unwavering resolve. “His teachings remain a timeless inspiration for not only Sikhs but every Indian,” he remarked.

Praising the unwavering spirit of Sikhs, CM Yogi said, “Wherever a Sikh is, he marches forward without fear or hesitation. That is why he is rightly called a Sardar.”

Expressing concern over incidents of religious conversions in regions like Terai and Punjab, the Chief Minister urged society to reflect upon and address the root causes of these developments. He recalled how Guru Gobind Singh Ji chose the Panj Pyare—Dayaram from Lahore, Dharamdas from Delhi, Mohkam Chand from Dwarka, Himmat Rai from Jagannath Puri, and Sahib Chand from Bidar—without any discrimination, laying the foundation of a spiritual order based on equality and unity.

Calling Guru Gobind Singh Ji “the son of a martyred father and the father of martyred sons,” CM Yogi saluted his supreme sacrifice and valor. He added that wherever followers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji have gone, they have earned global respect for their strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath voiced concern over the migration of Sikh youth from the Terai region to foreign countries, emphasizing the need to strengthen the region that was once transformed into fertile land through the tireless efforts of the Sikh community in a malaria-prone area. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the teachings of the Gurus and move forward with courage and conviction.

Highlighting the foundational values of the Khalsa Panth, CM Yogi said, “We must not shy away from the valor and bravery for which Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa. Any community that abandons its spirit of courage will inevitably face a crisis. Therefore, following the Guru’s teachings and traditions with utmost sincerity is imperative.”

The Chief Minister also spoke about the nationwide observance of Veer Bal Diwas on December 26 in honor of the supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He mentioned that the initiative, which began at the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow, has now been adopted as a national observance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Looking ahead to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th birth anniversary, CM Yogi announced that a grand celebration is being planned in Uttar Pradesh.
He urged the state’s Gurudwara committees to prepare a comprehensive program to mark the occasion with dignity and reverence.

“The sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the four Sahibzadas, and countless Sikh warriors were not for personal gain, but for the nation’s protection and dharma,” the Chief Minister stated. “Their sacrifices must never be forgotten. The upcoming commemorations will be a fitting tribute and express our deep gratitude toward the Guru tradition.”

He called upon Gurudwara Management Committees to actively participate in the events. He added that true homage to the Guru tradition lies in keeping their ideals alive through action, dedication, and service.

On this occasion, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Minister of State Sardar Baldev Singh Aulakh, Legislative Council Member Mukesh Sharma, Member of Uttar Pradesh Minority Commission Parvinder Singh, President of Gurudwara Sahib Yahiyaganj Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Satnam Singh Sethi, Manjit Singh Talwar, Dr. Amarjit Singh, Surendra Pal Singh, Daljit Singh Bagga, Satvir Singh Sunny, Preet Singh Arora and other dignitaries and a large number of devotees of the Sikh community were present.