Srinagar, Nov 16, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the solemn Nagar Kirtan procession in Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru revered as ‘Hind Ki Chadar’ for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of religious freedom. Amidst chants of sacred hymns and a sea of saffron flags, Sinha reaffirmed the Guru’s timeless ideals of peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood, urging the nation to draw inspiration for building a resilient and inclusive ‘New India’.A Procession of Faith and ResolveThe grand Nagar Kirtan, flagged off from the historic Gurdwara Mattan Sahib in Anantnag on November 15 as part of nationwide observances organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), saw thousands of devotees, including Sikh community leaders and local residents, marching in unity. Accompanied by traditional palanquins, brass bands, and recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, the procession symbolized the Guru’s unyielding stand against tyranny during the 17th century, when he laid down his life to protect the Kashmiri Pandits from forced conversions.LG Sinha, who had earlier met with an SGPC delegation led by President S. Harjinder Singh Dhami to discuss event preparations, joined the march to pay homage. “Blessed to have attended the Nagar Kirtan to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji,” Sinha stated in a heartfelt message shared on social media. “Guru Ji was the embodiment of sacrifice and universal brotherhood, and on this occasion, we must reaffirm to follow his ideals of peace and harmony.
“Echoes of Sacrifice and National StrengthIn his address to the gathering, Sinha highlighted the profound contributions of the Sikh Gurus in shaping India’s ethos of resilience and inclusivity. “Our revered Sikh Gurus ensured India’s glory through significant contributions and selfless sacrifices. India still stands with full strength and pride despite centuries of external invasions and economic drain. We must stand firm in our determination to build a new India of our dreams,” he emphasized, linking the Guru’s legacy to contemporary calls for national unity and progress.The event resonated across the region, with parallel processions in Ludhiana, Kapurthala, and Anandpur Sahib, where Punjab declared ‘Shaheedi Smaran Maah’ (Martyrdom Remembrance Month) from October 25 to November 30. Highlights included Akhand Paths, Kirtan Darbars, and a drone show at Virasat-e-Khalsa, underscoring the Guru’s message of compassion for all beings— a theme echoed in Haryana’s naming of a wildlife sanctuary after him.
A Legacy for Harmony and ProtectionSri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom on November 24, 1675, at Delhi’s Chandni Chowk remains a beacon of interfaith solidarity, inspiring generations to uphold human rights and dignity. As the nation gears up for the culmination on November 25 with events led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Sinha’s participation reinforced Jammu and Kashmir’s commitment to cultural preservation and communal amity.Sikh leaders praised the LG’s involvement, noting it as a vital step in promoting Punjabi language and heritage in the Union Territory. “Guru Ji’s sacrifice teaches us to protect the vulnerable, just as he did,” said S. Ajit Singh, Chairman of the All J&K Sikh Coordination Committee.
This observance not only revives spiritual fervor but also galvanizes collective resolve toward a harmonious future, true to the Guru’s vision.As India honors its guardians of faith, let us pledge to weave their sacrifices into the fabric of our shared dreams.
