24-11-2025:Address of the Hon’ble Governor at the Valedictory Session of the Two-Day National Seminar at Uttarakhand Sanskrit University.

Jai Hind!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Respected Members Present,

It gives me immense pride to be present at this national seminar based on the Sikh Guru tradition. This moment is a sacred opportunity to recall India’s spiritual consciousness, cultural glory, and national soul.

Today, we have gathered here to pay homage to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and to bow before the immortal inspiration of the Sikh Guru tradition—an inspiration that has endowed this nation not merely with victories, but with values, sacrifice, service, and humanity at a height that stands as an example for the entire world.

The “Shabad-Kirtan,” and the narration of ‘Hind Ki Chadar’—‘the Saga of Martyrdom’—presented here today has awakened our dormant national consciousness. It has rekindled the flame of patriotism, filling every heart with the divine light of truth, courage, and unwavering sacrifice. It has reminded us that to offer everything joyfully for the protection of Bharat Mata is the truest religion, the truest duty, and the truest form of nationalism.

A short while ago, we released the book “Sisu dia paru siraru na dia—Dharm Rakshak Guru Tegh Bahadur”, based on the complete life of Guru Ji. I heartily congratulate the author Dr. Ajay Parmar and the Guru Gobind Singh Research Chair for this achievement. This work is not merely a description of history, but a living inspiration for future generations, introducing them to the resilience, bravery, and discipline of the Sikh Guru tradition.

Friends,

The theme of today’s seminar—“The Concept of Religion, Society and Nationalism in the Sikh Guru Tradition”—is directly connected to our national existence. In Indian culture, religion is not just a ritual or form of worship, but a way of complete living. The Sikh Guru tradition shaped this religion into a path that is action-oriented, truth-oriented, and humanity-oriented.

When Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim,” it was not a denial of identities, but a proclamation that the highest identity of a human being is humanity itself.
Naam Japna (meditation on God’s name), Kirat Karni (honest labour), and Vand Chhakna (sharing with others)—these three principles make Sikh Dharma not only a spiritual path but a path of social restructuring.

The Sikh Guru tradition’s concept of society is remarkably vast. Through Sangat and Pangat, India received the message—perhaps for the first time—that food, space, life opportunities, and dignity belong to everyone equally. Even today, the langar served in gurdwaras is not merely a meal, but a global movement for human equality.

Service—Nishkam Seva—has become the highest standard of humanity in the world. Whether facing natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or refugees in distress—Sikh service tradition stands first, stands firm, and stands selflessly. This is the social religion that strengthens India’s civic life and has remained our cultural backbone for centuries.

Friends,

When we speak of nationalism in the Sikh Guru tradition, it transcends the bounds of politics. This nationalism embodies moral duty, inner discipline, courage, compassion, and responsibility. Guru Hargobind Sahib’s principle of Miri-Piri is the foundation of this nationalism—showing the world a path where one is a saint from within and a courageous soldier from without.

This is India’s nationalism—where justice, sacrifice, and righteousness are complementary to one another. Carrying this legacy forward, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa, which combined bravery with spirituality and national duty with service to humanity.

If all these ideals manifest in their fullest form in any one great soul, it is in Hind Ki Chadar, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. When tyranny was at its peak, when Kashmiri Pandits were being deprived of their faith, when religion and identity were under attack, a great soul arose. He stood not for a community, but for humanity itself.

He sacrificed his life not for one group, but for the soul of the entire nation. World history offers no other example where a saint of one religion laid down his life to protect the followers of another. This sacrifice was not only for religion—it was for freedom, human rights, dignity, and the nation’s conscience.

India has always remembered this martyrdom. The declaration of 26 December as “Veer Bal Diwas” by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is a tribute to this tradition. It has immortalized in national consciousness the extraordinary sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is proof of India’s resolve that our spiritual heritage, our culture, and our national ideals will never be forgotten.

Friends,

As we reflect on the life and teachings of Guru Sahib today, it is not merely a remembrance of the past. It is also a reminder of the challenges of the present and the responsibilities of the future. Today, ideological conflicts are increasing around the world; forces seeking to divide society are active, and at times attempts are made to challenge the unity and integrity of the nation.

In such times, the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji inspire us that the nation is supreme. The essence of his life is that above the individual stands the family, above the family stands society, and above society stands the nation. Unless we internalize this order, the dream of a developed India will remain incomplete.

Friends,

Today, the entire nation is moving toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. This is not merely a goal of economic progress, but a resolve for cultural, spiritual, moral, and national renaissance.

A developed India means a nation advanced in technology, empowered by its youth, and deeply rooted in its spiritual ideals. The Sikh Guru tradition’s principles of national duty, national pride, and humanity-centered vision form the foundation of this journey.

Our responsibility is to bring the spirit of “Nation First” into our lives. Only when every citizen works with the nation as the highest priority will India become self-reliant, powerful, and truly developed.

Our Constitution, our culture, our Armed Forces, our youth, our farmers—all are companions in this great national endeavour. And in this journey, the inspiration of the Sikh Guru tradition shines like a guiding lamp.

Firmness for truth, dedication to service, sensitivity towards society, and unwavering loyalty to the nation—these four messages come to us from the Guru tradition. If these messages become permanent in Indian life, then a developed India will not only be a goal but a near and inevitable reality.

Through this seminar, the ideas expressed will certainly strengthen national consciousness. I congratulate the university, the organizers, participants, and all scholars for bringing this vital discussion on Indian spirituality, social harmony, and nationalism to the national platform.

In conclusion, let us all resolve that the soul of India—truth, service, equality, and national duty—will never be allowed to weaken. We will remain steadfast on the path shown by Guru Sahib. We will build a India that is strong yet compassionate, modern yet spiritual.

With this hope and conviction, and offering respectful salutations at the feet of all the ten Gurus, I conclude my address.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Jai Hind!