Sikh Gurus protected Sanatan dharma with their sacrifices: CM Yogi Adityanath

Gorakhpur, Aug 2025 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that communities that uphold the valour, courage, and sacrifices of their ancestors live forever in history. He emphasised that Sikh Gurus dedicated their lives to protecting Sanatan dharma, Indian culture, and the nation, and their legacy of bravery, renunciation, and sacrifice continues to inspire the country.

The Chief Minister was addressing a congregation at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Paidleganj, Gorakhpur, on the occasion of the first Prakash Parv of the holy Guru Granth Sahib. On this occasion, he inaugurated tourism development works, upgrades to the Gurdwara building, and expansion of basic facilities. The Gurdwara Committee honoured him with a memento and shawl, after which he joined the sangat in the recitation of Guruvani.

Highlighting the unparalleled tradition of Sikh Gurus, CM Yogi said, “From Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, every Guru dedicated his life to the protection of Sanatan dharma and the nation. Whenever Indian culture was in crisis, the Sikh Gurus stood firm and defended it through their sacrifices.”

He especially remembered Guru Tegh Bahadur, noting that the 350th year of his martyrdom is being commemorated with programmes across the country. Recalling past events, he said Nagar Kirtan and Kirtan Paath had been organised from the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow to mark the occasion, just as Guruvani was held during the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.

The Chief Minister also paid homage to the supreme sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s four Sahibzadas—Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh, and Baba Fateh Singh. He recounted how, when offered their lives and estates in exchange for adopting Islam, they chose martyrdom instead. “The Sahibzadas were bricked alive, yet they upheld their devotion to dharma and the nation. Their sacrifice remains one of the most glorious chapters in India’s history,” he said.

CM Yogi lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to observe December 26 as Veer Baal Diwas to honour the Sahibzadas, calling it a “historic tribute to the Sikh Gurus’ sacrifices.”

The Chief Minister noted that the Paidleganj Gurdwara has long been a centre of faith for the Sikh community but lacked adequate facilities earlier. With the support of the Tourism department and state government, it has now been upgraded, enabling devotees to participate in Guruvani, Langar, and other religious programmes with ease. He underlined that a Gurdwara welcomes everyone, regardless of caste or community, reflecting the universal message of Sikh tradition and Guruvani.

He further informed that three major Gurdwaras of Gorakhpur—Jata Shankar, Mohaddipur, and Paidleganj—have been upgraded, which he described as a gesture of gratitude towards the Sikh Gurus.

Marking the day as especially sacred, CM Yogi reminded the gathering that 421 years ago on this very date, Guru Granth Sahib Ji was enshrined at Harmandir Sahib and accepted as Guru. “The Sikh Gurus devoted their lives to the welfare of the nation, religion, and humanity. Today, our greatest duty is to live by their teachings and safeguard the nation and dharma,” he said.

The programme also brought together prominent figures including MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, BJP State Vice President and MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLA Vipin Singh, Mahendrapal Singh, Dr. Vimlesh Paswan, Pradeep Shukla, Mahant Ravindra Das of Kalibari, senior members of the Gurdwara Committee, and several dignitaries from the Sikh community.

The Chief Minister described the event as an opportunity to unite the Sikh community of eastern Uttar Pradesh and said it was a privilege for him to join the celebrations in Gorakhpur, apart from his regular participation in Gurupurab events at Lucknow.