PM Modi’s Address To Nation From Red Fort On Guru Tegh Bahadur Anniversary Today

Modi will also release a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the occasion, according to the official statement.?

The event is being organised by the Union government in collaboration with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, it said.
The two day event, which began on Wednesday saw Sikh ragis and children from different parts of the country in 'Shabad Kirtan'.?

A grand light and sound show depicting the life of the Sikh guru will also be showcased at the event.The traditional martial art of Sikhs, 'Gatka', has also been organised, it added.?

The programme is focussed on highlighting the teachings of the ninth Sikh guru who sacrificed his life to protect religion and human values, ideals and principles in world history, it noted.

His death anniversary is commemorated as 'Shaheedi Divas' every year on November 24.?

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in Delhi are associated with his sacrifice. His legacy serves as a great unifying force for the nation, it said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has paid glowing tributes to Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur and said that he sacrificed his life to protect the Hindu dharma.

"Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed himself to protect the Hindu dharma. When Kashmiri Pandits narrated to him about the atrocities being committed on them by the Mughals, he said, go and tell Aurangzeb after they convert me, they can convert others," Shah said.

"He came to Delhi and sacrificed himself right here at Chandni Chowk... Those who ordered his execution have long gone, but millions of people follow the path of the one who sacrificed himself... That's why he continues to be known as Hind ki Chadar even after 400 years," he added.?

Shah said Modi was the luckiest prime minister as he was fortunate to have organised the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, 400th birth anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur and 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.

"I want to say without any hesitation that it was due to the supreme sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh, India could get Independence later and the country is now on the 75th year of Independence," he said at the event held at the historic Red Fort here.

"There's no one in this country who is not touched by the Guru's sacrifice. Hindu, Sikh, everyone has a unique feeling of respect for the Guru," Shah said.

The Union home minister, who began and ended his address with "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh", also said that organising the event at the Red Fort was a fitting tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur as his death warrant was issued from here by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and he was killed near its premises where a gurudwara stands now.

As Shah spoke, the iconic Fort reverberated with slogans of "Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh", and "Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal" and Shah paused each time such calls were made.

During the event, a special rendition of the 'Shabad Kirtan' was presented by 400 students.

Shah's speech ?has set the stage for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will attend the event today and address the nation. He will also release a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the occasion.(With PTI inputs)
?