Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice is an eternal ideal of courage and righteousness in human history: CM Smt. Rekha Gupta

Delhi Assembly pays tribute; CM reiterates commitment to ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and celebration of all faiths

‘Hind ki Chadar’ Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji made the supreme sacrifice for humanity and religious freedom: CM Smt. Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, January 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Tuesday paid a heartfelt tribute to the 9th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister said that the life, sacrifice and character of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are not limited to any one era or community. They represent an eternal ideal of courage, truth, righteousness and human values in human history. She said that viewing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji merely as the Guru of a single faith would limit his towering personality. He was among the greatest protectors of India’s shared culture, collective consciousness and civilisational values.

The Chief Minister informed the House that the grand and divine three-day congregation organised by the Delhi Government at the Red Fort complex to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was not just an event, but a powerful effort to connect history with the present generation. She humbly stated that she did not deserve any personal credit for the event, and that whatever was achieved was possible only due to the grace and blessings of Guru Sahib Ji.

Lakhs of devotees gathered at the Red Fort

Smt. Rekha Gupta said that following an unfortunate incident that had occurred earlier outside the Red Fort, there were widespread security concerns. She discussed the issue with Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji, and with the cooperation of the Central Government, comprehensive security arrangements were put in place. As a result, lakhs of devotees were able to participate in the congregation dedicated to Guru Sahib Ji. She informed the Assembly that the number of devotees was so large that the tents at the venue had to be expanded further. This clearly shows that the sacrifice of Guru Sahib Ji continues to live in the hearts of the people.

‘Gurbani’ resonated at the centre of oppression

Recalling the sacrifice of Guru Sahib Ji, the Chief Minister said in an emotional tone that it was a historic coincidence that the very Red Fort from where decrees were once issued against Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji today resonated with the melodious recitation of Gurbani. Thousands of devotees bowed their heads in reverence, and through the langar, a living example of service and equality was witnessed. She said that the museum set up during the congregation presented a powerful portrayal of Guru Sahib Ji’s life, struggles and martyrdom.

Guru’s saga to reach the new generation through books

The Chief Minister said that the Delhi Government ensured that the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji reaches future generations. With this objective, the Education Department distributed five lakh books in Delhi’s schools. In addition, students of Delhi Government schools were taken to those gurdwaras where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji had visited. Recalling the immortal words of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Chief Minister quoted: “Dharam het saka jin kiya, Sis diya par sirar na diya.”

She said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his head for the protection of religion and humanity, but never compromised on his principles and self-respect. He refused to bow before the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Guru Sahib Ji made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits. She said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is known as ‘Hind ki Chadar’, because he protected not only his own faith, but also the faith of others. Delhi’s Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib stand as living testimonies to his martyrdom and sacrifice.

In her address, the Chief Minister said that societies which become disconnected from their history and roots are scattered like straws in strong winds. Taking pride in one’s culture, respecting values and remembering the sacrifices of our ancestors is the responsibility of all of us.

Resolve for a ‘Shreshtha Bharat, Shreshtha Delhi’

Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister consistently speaks of “development as well as heritage”. The Delhi Government is working in accordance with the same vision. The Government encourages every citizen living in Delhi to remain connected to their roots.

She said that Delhi today has become a living reflection of a ‘Mini India’ and ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. Her government has celebrated festivals from north to south with great enthusiasm, including the Kanwar Yatra, Ramlila, Chhath Mahaparv, Garba, Teej and Onam.
In the Delhi Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister assured the people of Delhi that her government will continue to work tirelessly for the preservation and promotion of culture. Delhi will be taken forward by treating it as one family, woven together in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, with every citizen moving ahead together.

Team Maverick