Panchkula, Dec 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday recalled the sacrifices made by the Sikh Gurus for humanity and asserted that the Narendra Modi government did not leave any stone unturned in highlighting the Sikh Guru tradition before the country and the world.
Shah was addressing a gathering this evening at the ‘Sahibzaadon Ko Naman’ programme ahead of ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ (December 26), the martyrdom day of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, the Sahibzadas.
He paid tributes to the Sahibzadas, noting their supreme courage and sacrifice at a young age.
The programme included an exhibition on the life and sacrifices of the Sahibzadas, a sand art show and the release of a coffee table book.
During his address, Shah also said had Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, not sacrificed his life for the protection of faith, neither Hinduism nor Sikhism would have survived today.
For his sacrifice, the nation will always remain indebted, he said, while adding that this sacrifice is unparalleled in world history.
Shah, donning a turban, spoke about the sacrifices made by the Sahibzadas of the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh and said that the Modi government in 2022 announced observation of the martyrdom of two younger sons as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ on December 26.
For the past three years, the lives of the Sahibzadas have been taught and essay writing competitions are held in schools, he said, adding that all states, irrespective of being ruled by any party, have been observing this day.
Shah said in a way, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fortunate that during his tenure, the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the 350th martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh fell.
He also said the Modi government did not leave any stone unturned in highlighting the Sikh Guru tradition before the country and the world.
Speaking about the steps taken by the Centre for the Sikh community, Shah said the home ministry granted Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, opened the Kartarpur corridor, reopened the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases to ensure justice, provided Rs 5 lakh compensation, and gave citizenship to Sikh families who came from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
He expressed his anguish over the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara remaining in Pakistan during Partition in 1947.
“Many a time a question arises in my mind that during Partition, it must have been discussed what will be in India and what in Pakistan. Why Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara was left there? I don’t understand it. May be those who were to decide about the Partition were not aware of this tradition,” he said.
During his address, Shah also spoke in detail about ten Sikh Gurus, starting from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh, and their teachings and sacrifices for humanity and religion.
The Union home minister said no one in the whole world can match the sacrifices made by the Sikh Gurus for humanity and the country.
Speaking about the Sahibzadas, Shah said they did not bow to injustice and oppression and refused conversion even in the face of extreme cruelty.
He said they sacrificed their lives for religion and the nation at a very young age. Their sacrifice is a symbol of unwavering faith, valour and courage, he noted.
Shah also paid tribute to the sacrifice of Mata Gujri, grandmother of the Sahibzadas, stating that she imbued them with discipline, courage and values.
The supreme sacrifice of nine-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh and seven-year-old Baba Fateh Singh, who chose death for faith and truth rather than bowing before oppression, is not merely history but a symbol of India’s moral strength, he said.
Guru Gobind Singh’s entire family sacrificed their lives for the protection of dharma and justice, the Union home minister said.
Shah urged the people of the country to narrate the saga of sacrifice of the Sahibzadas to their families, especially children.
He said that whenever India faces a crisis, future generations will always be ready to protect the motherland.
He reminded that ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ is not merely a day of remembrance, but an occasion for nation-building and for imparting the message of courage, sacrifice and devotion to faith to coming generations.
About the ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, Shah said he was a universal symbol of supreme sacrifice.
The courage and valour with which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji confronted injustice are a source of inspiration for every Indian.
He said when the Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Tegh Bahadur, he challenged the tyrannical Mughals and sacrificed everything for the sake of faith.
During the programme, Shah released a coffee table book based on the saga of sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and the Vision Document 2047 prepared by the Haryana government.
In addition, he also distributed appointment letters to family members of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Shah praised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and said that providing justice, compensation and employment to the Sikh families affected by the 1984 riots and ensuring dignified employment to them after decades reflects the firm commitment of the state government.
The Union home minister said the Sikh community has always stood at the forefront in defending the nation, serving humanity and making sacrifices in times of crisis.
Shah and Saini also visited an exhibition dedicated to the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas.
