Evoking the universal message of unity and brotherhood preached by the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the Maharashtra government was committed to spreading his legacy across the state.
Addressing a gathering in Nanded to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Fadnavis said “his supreme sacrifice and bravery will be taken to every village and home in Maharashtra.”
Referring to the period of Mughal rule, he said: “When Aurangzeb inflicted cruelty and forced religious conversions, the religious leaders and people sought refuge in the Sikh guru. Even the Kashmiri Pandits looked to Tegh Bahadur for liberation from Aurangzeb’s barbarism.”
Taking charge of defending religion, tradition and culture, Guru Tegh Bahadur confronted Aurangzeb, Fadnavis said. The Mughal ruler gave him the option of converting to Islam or facing death. Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was fearless, refused to bow before Aurangzeb and was beheaded. His children were brutally murdered and his closest collaborators were subjected to torture and execution.
Fadnavis lamented that that story is fading from public memory and said, “Stories of courage and sacrifice are not known to the new generation. The Government of Maharashtra is committed to bringing the life and works of Tegh Bahadur to every village and house in Maharashtra.”
Highlighting the Guru’s universal appeal, he said this had earned him the title ‘Hind di Chadar’.
Fadnavis said the state had organized memorial events in Nagpur and Nanded, and the next program would be held in Navi Mumbai. “We will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he announced.
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Calling for social unity, he said the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur should inspire people to unite communities. His message, Fadnavis said, transcended the Sikh community and was revered in all states and nations, including the Sindhi, Banjara, Walmiki and Loban communities.
He also recalled that Aurangzeb had issued a ruling prohibiting the last rites of Guru Tegh Bahadur after his execution. At Chandni Chowk, Lakhi Shah secretly took the body of the Guru and performed the last rites in defiance of the Mughal order.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was scheduled to attend the event in Nanded, canceled his visit. The function was attended by Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, among others.