Chandigarh, April 22- Aimed to spread the message of communal harmony and brotherhood as preached by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Haryana Government is geared up to commemorate the 400th Prakash Purab celebrations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at a state-level function on April 24 at Panipat. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed himself for religious freedom and humanity and it is because of the supreme sacrifices of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji that he has been rightly crowned with the sobriquet of ‘Hind Di Chadar’ by the entire humanity.

The Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the Sikh Gurus have played a pivotal role in uniting India in one thread by preaching the message of love, equality brotherhood and communal harmony in the society.

“When Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji had formally been seated on the ‘Guru Gaddi’, the communal situation in the Country was worrisome because of the forced conversions, women and children were also being tortured. It was then when Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji became a ray of hope for the Hindus as he sacrificed himself for religious freedom and humanity,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister said that if Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji had not given this supreme sacrifice, today the map of India would have been different and this is the reason that today the entire humanity calls Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji an epitome of sacrifice. ‘Tegh Bahadur si kriya, Kari na kinhoo aan’, (None in Universe ever performed such deed as noble as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji did).

Sh. Manohar Lal said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji not only saved Hindus from forced conversions, but he also strongly stood against the atrocities on the Kashmiri Pandits.

Citing history, the Chief Minister said that on May 25, 1675, a delegation of 16 Pandits, led by Pandit Kirpa Ram Dutt, had reached Sri Anandpur Sahib.  Seeking protection against the atrocities of Emperor Aurangzeb, he apprised Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji about forced conversions, restrictions on religious ceremonies, vandalism and genocide of temples. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji assured the delegation that he would talk to Aurangzeb. 

Meanwhile, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on 10 July 1675 left for Delhi from Chak Nanaki (Sri Anandpur Sahib) with Bhai Matidas, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala Ji. But Aurangzeb's army made everyone captive and Bhai Matidas, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala ji) were martyred in front of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as they denied forced conversion. Even Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his head at Delhi's Chandni Chowk for religious freedom and against forced conversion.

The Chief Minister said that the teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji are not only a rare heritage for us but are also one of the most significant foundations to build a strong, morally enlightened society. He always gave this message that no human being should be intimidated or scared. He sacrificed his life to save others. He was the guardian of the poor and weak.

The Chief Minister also urged the devotees from across the country to ensure maximum participation in this programme and become a part of this grand and historic event.