The Haryana Legislative Assembly commenced its winter session with a powerful and unanimous decision, passing a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The Ninth Sikh Guru is revered as a protector of India's honour and a symbol of supreme sacrifice for truth and human dignity.
A Unanimous Tribute in the Assembly
Speaking on the floor of the House, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini conveyed the sentiments of the Haryana government and its citizens. He highlighted the enduring legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose life epitomises the soul of Indian civilisation—a soul that stands unwavering for righteousness and never bows to injustice. Saini recalled that the initial proposal for state-wide celebrations was unanimously passed by the Assembly on August 25.
To ensure inclusive implementation, the Chief Minister organised an all-party meeting in Chandigarh on November 3. Representatives from across the political spectrum provided valuable suggestions to shape the observances. This meeting, the CM noted, became a shining example of Haryana's democratic spirit and cultural unity, with participants setting aside political differences to honour the state's glorious heritage.
State-Wide Observances and Grand Processions
The state government, in collaboration with the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, executed the resolution with great sensitivity. Throughout November, a wave of devotional events swept across Haryana, aiming to pay homage and inspire the youth with the Guru's teachings.
The commemorations featured large sacred processions. Chief Minister Saini personally inaugurated the first procession from Rodhi in Sirsa district on November 8. This was followed by major processions originating from Pinjore, Faridabad, and Sadhaura. Collectively, these processions traversed over 500 villages, spreading Guru Sahib's message before culminating at the holy land of Kurukshetra on November 24. Citizens of all faiths and backgrounds welcomed the processions with enthusiasm, affirming the Guru's universal relevance.
The pinnacle was a grand congregation at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, on November 25, held under the sacred presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Lakhs of devotees gathered to pay their respects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the event at Jyotisar. During the congregation, the PM released a commemorative coin and postage stamp issued by the Government of India, along with a coffee table book prepared by the Haryana government, lending national and international recognition to the occasion.
Lasting Legacy: Initiatives in Education, Environment, and Service
Aligning with Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's teachings, the commemorations extended beyond ceremonies to impactful public initiatives. In a remarkable feat, 350 blood donation camps were organised statewide, collecting over 23,000 units of blood. To engage the younger generation, essay competitions in Sanskrit, Hindi, Punjabi, and English were held in schools, involving a staggering 350,000 students.
For a lasting environmental tribute, a forest was developed in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in Kalesar, Yamunanagar district. This project includes tree plantations, a wildlife conservation block, and the construction of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Gate. Furthermore, in the same district, the government announced the establishment of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Agricultural College in Kishanpura, linking the Guru's name to the fields of education and agriculture.
Concluding the legislative proceedings, the Chief Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas Organising Committee, public representatives, and various social organisations for their collective efforts in making the historic observances a success. Following his address, the House once again passed the resolution unanimously, solidifying the state's profound respect for the Ninth Guru's sacrifice.
