Delhi cabinet approves annual tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur
The event will feature a light and sound show, Kirtan Darbar, panel discussions, a paintings exhibition, archival displays and multilingual translations of the Guru's teachings every year.
The cabinet also cleared a proposal for a Miyawaki forest being developed in Jainpur, Delhi, to be dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur. Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said: "Delhi is honouring Sikh heritage with pride and permanence. I thank CM Rekha Gupta and my cabinet colleagues for approving this historic tribute."
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According to the plan, there will be a two-day celebration in Nov at Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk — the very site where Guru Sahib attained martyrdom while upholding the right to religious freedom, said the govt in a statement.
Sirsa said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently brought Sikh history, sacrifice and valour to the forefront on the national and global stage. Under the effective guidance of CM Gupta, this celebration is a historic recognition of Delhi's deep-rooted connection with Sikhism.
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He mentioned that Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom is not just a part of Sikh history. It is a message of freedom, tolerance and justice for all of humanity.
He also noted that the Miyawaki forest will be dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur as a living tribute to his values, sacrifice and the Sikh community's ongoing commitment to nature and service, Sirsa added.
"The two-day event at Lal Qila will be historic. Not only will Delhi pay tribute at the very site of Guru Sahib's martyrdom, but we will also make his teachings accessible to every citizen through culture, art and education.
Public readings and translations of his bani will help connect people from all backgrounds to his universal message," Sirsa said.
Govt also announced that Delhi University has introduced an undergraduate course titled "Sikh Martyrdom in Indian History". This move is seen as a significant academic step in recognising the Sikh community's role in defending justice, freedom and human dignity.
Earlier in June, Sirsa chaired a meeting with senior Sikh leaders and members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to seek ideas for the martyrdom day commemoration.
The demand for an academic course on Sikh history emerged during that consultation. "During the June meeting, several important ideas were shared, including the need for a university-level course to institutionalise the teachings of Sikh Gurus. Today, I am proud to share that Delhi University's academic council has adopted that very vision. This is the strength of inclusive governance," Sirsa said.
Additionally, Delhi govt will organise exhibitions of paintings, archival documents, and special programmes throughout the year in schools, colleges, and community spaces. Competitions, lectures, and outreach initiatives will be conducted to educate the youth about Guru Tegh Bahadur's legacy and strengthen their connection with Delhi's rich historical and cultural roots, he said.
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