Haryana Assembly Honours Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Year

The Haryana Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on the first day of its winter session in Chandigarh. The resolution reflected collective respect for the Ninth Sikh Guru, revered for his supreme sacrifice in defence of truth, religious freedom, and human dignity. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life represents the moral conscience of Indian civilisation and its refusal to bow before injustice.

Unanimous Resolution and Historical Context

Addressing the House, the chief minister recalled that the proposal for state-wide observance of the 350th martyrdom year had earlier been approved unanimously on August 25. He said the commemoration was not merely ceremonial but rooted in Haryana’s commitment to honour spiritual and historical legacies that shaped the nation’s values. Members across party lines endorsed the resolution, underlining the Guru’s universal relevance beyond religious boundaries.

Inclusive Planning and Statewide Observances

To ensure inclusive implementation, an all-party meeting was convened in Chandigarh on November 3. Representatives from all political parties offered suggestions, making the observances collective and meaningful. The chief minister noted that the meeting stood as an example of Haryana’s democratic ethos and cultural unity. In collaboration with the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, the state organised programmes across districts to inspire citizens, particularly youth, through Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s teachings and sacrifice.

Processions, Congregations, and National Participation

Sacred processions began from Rodhi in Sirsa on November 8, followed by yatras from Pinjore, Faridabad, and Sadhaura. These passed through more than 500 villages before culminating at Kurukshetra on November 24. On November 25, a grand congregation at Jyotisar witnessed participation from lakhs of devotees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event and released a commemorative coin, postage stamp, and a coffee table book, lending national and international recognition to the observance.

What to Note for Exams?

• Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the Ninth Guru of Sikhism.
• He was martyred in 1675 for protecting religious freedom.
• Kurukshetra’s Jyotisar hosted the main state congregation.
• A commemorative coin and stamp were issued by the Government of India.

Social Initiatives and Lasting Legacy

In line with Guru Ji’s humanitarian ideals, 350 blood donation camps collected over 23,000 units of blood across Haryana. Essay competitions engaged nearly 3.5 lakh students in four languages. A forest named after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was developed in Kalesar, and an agricultural college was announced in Kishanpura, linking his legacy with education, environment, and rural development.