Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom was a sacrifice for the protection of India’s religious and cultural heritage – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

State-level workshop organised to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of ‘Hind Di Chadar Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur’

Mumbai, Oct 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikh faith, was not only significant for the Sikh community but also for safeguarding India’s religious and cultural traditions. He assured that the government would extend full support to spread awareness about the history of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice across the country.

He was speaking at a state-level workshop held at Yogi Auditorium in Dadar on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of ‘Hind Di Chadar Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur’.

The event was attended by Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, MLA Babusingh Maharaj, Minority Department Secretary Ruchesh Jaywanshi, Sant Gyani Harnam Singh Ji (Khalsa Bhindranwale, Chief of Damdami Taksal and Head of Sat Samaj), State Committee members Rameshwar Naik, Sartaj Satinder, Mahant Sunil Maharaj, Swami Hiranand, noted singer Satinder Sartaj, and representatives, gurus, and saints from six different communities.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said, “Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for the protection of all religions in India. That is why he is not just known as ‘Khalsa Di Chadar’ but as ‘Hind Di Chadar’ — the protector of India. He stood against forced conversions and safeguarded India’s culture and faith. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the story of his martyrdom reaches every household in the state.”

He added that various programmes have been organised in Nanded, Nagpur, and Mumbai to mark the occasion. Through tehsil, city, district, and regional committees, the history of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice will be communicated to every village and home.

Highlighting the universal message of the Sikh scriptures, the Chief Minister said, “Gurbani is a unique composition that includes the noble teachings not only of Sikh Gurus but also of saints like Namdev and other spiritual traditions. It unites people by showing the path of righteousness and harmony.”

Fadnavis noted that six communities — Sikh, Sikligar, Banjara, Labana, Mohiyal, and Sindhi — have come together for this event, and the state government will work jointly with the committee to spread its message among the people.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Fadnavis also launched a dedicated website and a musical composition narrating the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice to commemorate his 350th martyrdom anniversary.