17-11-2025 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of the Programme “Hind Ki Chadar
Jai Hind!
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
On this significant occasion marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you. Today, we bow in reverence to him with deepest respect.
Today, we all stand witness to a sacred purpose and a moment of immense pride, as we gather to remember “Hind Ki Chadar” — Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This is a moment that awakens our national spirit and stirs our soul. This is not merely an event, but a grand celebration of national duty, human values, and spiritual strength.
I firmly believe that under the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” initiative, the nationwide celebrations of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will successfully carry his message of national unity, religious freedom, and supreme sacrifice to the younger generations of our country.
The heartfelt presentation by the young children of the Gurumat Sangeet Vidyalaya, Rishikesh, moved every one of us deeply. Their depiction of “Hind Ki Chadar – A Saga of Supreme Sacrifice” was not just a cultural performance but a flame of patriotism — igniting within every heart the light of truth, courage, and sacrifice. They reminded us to live for our nation and, if the need arises, to even lay down our lives for it.
We have just unveiled an important book based on the life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This book captures the significant events of his life with deep insight and clarity. I am confident that it will serve as a guiding beacon for future generations and continue to kindle the flame of patriotism for years to come.
Friends,
In India’s spiritual tradition, renunciation and sacrifice hold a divine place. Yet, among all sacrifices, some shine so brilliantly that they illuminate the path of humanity for centuries. The sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is such an eternal flame — one that continues to pierce through the darkness of tyranny, teaching us that the protection of dharma, of humanity, and of truth is the highest duty in every age.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was not merely a Guru of the Sikh tradition — he was the protector of all humankind, the sentinel of India’s soul, and an unparalleled hero in world history who laid down his life for the freedom, dignity, and identity of another community. World history offers no parallel example to this.
When Aurangzeb’s tyranny intensified, when the sacred thread was snatched from the foreheads of Kashmiri Pandits, when temples were demolished, when voices were silenced — Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji did not fear, nor did he waver. At a time when the very existence of Hindu dharma was endangered, a saint offered his life for the protection of Hindustan, its identity, and its values. That is why India reverently calls him “Hind Ki Chadar.”
History recounts that when the Kashmiri Pandits sought refuge under Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, he asked his young son, the child Gobind Rai — the future Guru Gobind Singh Ji — “Who can deliver the world from this crisis?” And the child answered with unwavering firmness, “Who else but you?”
This one sentence changed the course of history. It was not merely a conversation between father and son, but the call of India’s soul — the moment when duty itself stood before the Guru.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji did not bow his head to tyranny; he offered his head for the sake of truth. He proved that the blood flowing through India’s veins is not of cowardice but of courage. His martyrdom was not only the martyrdom of a Guru — it was the victory of Indian culture, the triumph of Indian self-respect, and the proclamation of the immortality of India’s soul.
He taught us that remaining silent in the face of injustice is itself an act of supporting injustice. He taught us that dharma is not merely a way of worship, but a way of life. He established that true dharma is that which protects the rights and life of every individual. He proved that no matter how great the injustice may be, it cannot endure before truth.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave the message of unity,
Guru Angad Dev Ji taught discipline,
Guru Hargobind Sahib taught the value of defense,
Guru Gobind Singh Ji proclaimed heroic courage,
and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji —
demonstrated the highest sacrifice for humanity.
On this sacred occasion, I bow with humility at the feet of all ten Gurus.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who declared 26th December as Veer Bal Diwas to honor the supreme sacrifices of the Sahibzadas. Under his vision, continuous efforts are also being made to connect the sacred sites of Sikh tradition across the country.
Friends,
The life of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji represents a divine union of saintliness and warrior spirit. He taught us that the duty of serving the nation is not limited to any single class or community — it is the responsibility of every citizen. Whether you are a farmer, teacher, soldier, or student — when the nation calls, every individual must rise.
In his writings, Guru Sahib beautifully defined the essence of humanity: “Fear none, and frighten none.” This is India’s timeless tradition — non-violence, but also valor in the defense of dharma; compassion, but also unwavering resistance against tyranny; kindness, but also righteous strength. This harmony is India’s identity.
Today, the world is changing rapidly. The challenges are increasing — whether ideological attacks, social divisions, or conspiracies of anti-national forces. In such times, the guidance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is like a lighthouse. His message empowers us to stand firm — that India does not bow under pressure, India does not halt before obstacles, and India protects its identity at all costs.
The life of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji reminds us that the nation comes first. The individual comes later, position comes later, identity comes later — India comes first. When this feeling ignites in every heart, only then can a strong, self-reliant, and great nation be built.
Let this moment be one of deep introspection. Let us ask ourselves — Are we walking the path shown by him? Do we possess the courage, honesty, and patriotism that Guru Sahib embodied? Does our life strengthen our nation? Does our thinking uplift humanity?
As we honor his sacrifice today, let us resolve that we will never allow India’s unity, integrity, culture, and spiritual heritage to weaken at any cost. Let us walk the path of truth, courage, and dharma — the very path that immortalized humanity through the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Let us light within ourselves the same flame that burned within Guru Sahib — the flame of love for the nation, of duty, and of truth.
Friends,
We must build an Atmanirbhar Bharat — a self-reliant India whose potential the world recognizes, an India that leads the world to greater heights. The development and progress of our country is our shared responsibility. It will be achieved only through collective efforts. I am confident that with the blessings of the Gurus, India will reach the peak of glory. When we celebrate 100 years of independence, a new India will stand before us.
The sacrifice of Guru Ji is India’s pride; his martyrdom is India’s glory. As long as the sun and moon exist, the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will remain a symbol of the protection of humanity. His message will continue to remind every Indian for generations:
“Live for truth, stand for dharma, and if the time comes, surrender everything for the protection of humanity.”
I pray from the depths of my heart that the grace of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji remains upon all of us, and may we all be blessed with the strength, wisdom, and courage to make our nation even greater and more glorious.
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is not merely a chapter in history — it is the eternal light of India’s soul. This light will continue to illuminate our path, purify our consciousness, and lead our nation to greater heights.
With this faith, devotion, and dedication to our nation—
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand!