Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice inspires the nation: DCM Pawan Kalyan

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said that the supreme sacrifice of Sikhism’s ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur , who laid down his life for the protection of humanity and religious freedom, remains an eternal source of inspiration for the nation. He made these remarks while participating in the 350th martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Samagam) of the Guru held at Nanded in Maharashtra.

During the visit, Pawan Kalyan, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis , offered special prayers at the sacred Sikh shrine Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib . He was accorded a traditional welcome by Sikh religious leaders and was ceremonially presented with a sacred turban. Entering the main sanctum, he paid homage at the samadhi of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh , offered a holy chadar, and sought blessings from the Gurudwara granthis.

As part of initiatives aimed at improving facilities for devotees, Pawan Kalyan and Devendra Fadnavis jointly inaugurated an electronic donation machine installed on the Gurudwara premises. On the occasion, the Gurudwara committee felicitated the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister with a shawl and presented him with the sacred Sikh weapon, the Kirpan, along with a commemorative memento.

Earlier, on his arrival at Nanded airport, Pawan Kalyan was received by former Maharashtra Chief Minister and MP Ashok Chavan, MLA Jaya Chavan, District Collector Rahul Kardile, and other officials. Addressing the media after the darshan, he said that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom was not only relevant to his own time but continues to guide future generations. He described the Guru’s sacrifice for dharma as an immortal chapter in India’s history and said he considered it a privilege to participate in the 350th martyrdom commemorations.

Speakers at the event recalled that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom transcended religious boundaries and symbolised a historic stand for the freedom of faith and human rights. In the 17th century, during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb , Guru Tegh Bahadur opposed the forced religious conversions and atrocities inflicted on Kashmiri Pandits.

Despite threats that refusal to convert would lead to death, Guru Tegh Bahadur chose to sacrifice his life to protect the beliefs and dignity of others. Though he was executed in 1675 at Chandni Chowk in Delhi, his unwavering commitment to religious freedom continues to inspire generations. His martyrdom, undertaken not only for his own faith but to uphold every individual’s right to worship freely, remains a golden chapter in Indian history.