Participation of All Sections Essential for the Success of the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ Programme in NandedDignitaries Appeal at Press Conference

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : A grand programme titled ‘Hind Di Chadar’ is being organised at Modi Ground, Nanded, on January 24 and 25, 2026, to mark the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary (Shaheedi Samagam Year) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The event is being organised by the Minority Development Department of the Government of Maharashtra and the State-Level Shaheedi Samagam Committee, Maharashtra. Dignitaries appealed to citizens from all communities to attend in large numbers and make the programme historic, while addressing a press conference here today.

The press conference, held at Maharashtra Sadan, was attended by Shaheedi Samagam Committee guide Baba Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa, head of Damdami Taksal and Pradhan Sant Samaj; Dr Vijay Satbir Singh, Chairman of the Nanded Regional Organising Committee; Rameshwar Naik, State-Level Committee Coordinator; Jaswant Singh, Coordinator for Publicity and Promotion; Hemraj Bagul, Director of Information; Balak Malkit Singh, Convener; and other dignitaries.

The ‘Hind Di Chadar’ programme is being jointly organised at Modi Ground, Nanded, with the cooperation of the State Minority Development Department, the State-Level Committee, and various communities including Sikh, Sikligar, Banjara, Labana, Sindhi, Mohyal, Valmiki, Udasi and the Bhagat Namdev (Varkari) tradition, along with other communities.

Sant Gyani Baba Harnam Singh Ji said that the Government of Maharashtra is commemorating the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who is revered across the country as ‘Hind Di Chadar’. The commemoration symbolises his supreme sacrifice for the protection of freedom, freedom of faith, human dignity and humanity itself.

This historic commemoration seeks to integrate spiritual practice, historical awareness, youth participation and social unity. For the first time, a conscious effort is being made to bring together on a single platform communities that share historical, cultural and spiritual ties with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, including Sikh, Sikligar, Banjara, Labana, Sindhi, Mohyal, Valmiki, Udasi and the Bhagat Namdev tradition. After 350 years, this initiative aims to revive and strengthen these historic bonds.

The programme will feature spiritual discourses, kirtans, historical exhibitions, educational presentations and community dialogues, offering an in-depth understanding of the life, work, teachings and sacrifices of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Special emphasis is being placed on reaching school and college students, with the objective of conveying the historical significance of the Guru’s martyrdom and its connection to constitutional values such as freedom of religion, equality and justice to the younger generation.

The programme will also highlight the support extended by the Banjara and Labana communities during the Guru’s time, and honour the extraordinary courage of those who performed his last rites under extremely dangerous circumstances during Aurangzeb’s reign. Tributes will also be paid to Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji of the Mohyal community, who stood firmly with the Guru till his last moments and made the supreme sacrifice. In keeping with the tradition of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Sindhi community forms an integral part of this initiative. Under the concept of “Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat”, all those who believe in these teachings are being brought together on a common platform.

A major highlight of the programme will be the grand langar organised in the spirit of selfless service, symbolising the Guru’s values of equality, compassion and altruism. Volunteers from all communities will participate collectively in this service. Such an inclusive, educational and historically significant initiative is being undertaken for the first time not only in Maharashtra but across the country.

It was also informed that one such grand programme was recently held successfully in Nagpur, where more than five lakh citizens from various communities participated. Similar programmes are scheduled to be organised in Navi Mumbai in February. These events are planned as large-scale public gatherings with nationwide participation, aimed at promoting social harmony, inter-community understanding and remembrance of shared heritage.

Nanded Regional Organising Committee Chairman Dr Vijay Satbir Singh elaborated on the importance of the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ programme and highlighted the contributions of the Sikh and other communities in this initiative. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra for its significant support and appealed to devotees to attend the programme in large numbers. He also informed that arrangements are being planned to provide additional railway and air travel facilities for citizens attending the event.

State-Level Committee Coordinator Rameshwar Naik said that the Shaheedi Samagam is not merely a religious event, but a historic initiative conveying the message of interfaith harmony, humanity, constitutional values and social unity. He noted that the initiative was successfully launched in Nagpur, and as its next major phase, a two-day grand Shaheedi Samagam will be held in Nanded on January 24 and 25, 2026. He added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Chief Ministers from various states and other dignitaries, are expected to attend the programme, and appealed to all to cooperate in making the event historic.