Fadnavis Hails Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Stand for ‘Sanatan Dharma’
Fadnavis hails Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for religious freedom
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Guru Tegh Bahadur displayed extraordinary courage in the face of persecution and laid down his life to protect religious freedom. He was speaking at the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ programme organised in Nanded to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who is revered as ‘Hind di Chadar’ for defending religious freedom and protecting Kashmiri Pandits against forced conversions during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The event highlighted the Sikh Gurus’ legacy of sacrifice, courage and commitment to religious freedom.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was scheduled to attend, could not reach the venue due to a technical snag in his aircraft.
Mr. Fadnavis also announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend a ‘Hind Di Chadar’ programme in Navi Mumbai in February 2026.
The programme was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, senior Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, among others. Lakhs of Sikhs participated in the ‘Shaheedi Samagam’, organised by the Maharashtra Minority Department in Nanded on January 24 and 25.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Fadnavis said that during Aurangzeb’s reign, Kashmiri Pandits were subjected to severe pressure to convert. “They approached Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, who alone could protect them from forced conversions. He was asked to either change his religion or be prepared to die. Guru Ji showed no fear and reaffirmed his resolve to protect Sanatan Dharma,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Guru Tegh Bahadur and his sons always fought for the protection of religion and the nation. “This history of valour should not be limited to Sikhs alone. Every Indian must know that the Gurus made sacrifices not just for Sikhs, but for all humanity,” he said.
Mr. Fadnavis said the programme sought to connect nine communities, including Sikh, Labada, Banjara, Mohayal, Valmiki, Sindhi and Warkari. “Every child in India should know this history. Those who do not know their history may have a present, but no future,” he said, adding that the Maharashtra government has decided to take the legacy, martyrdom and valour of the 10 Sikh Gurus to people across the country.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister paid his respects at the Takht Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded. He was accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Nanded Guardian Minister Atul Save, Environment Minister Pankaja Munde, Rajya Sabha members Ashok Chavan and Dr. Ajit Gopchade, and several MLAs. The Gurdwara Board felicitated the dignitaries during the visit.