On a bitter winter day in 1675, Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb ordered the execution of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk for his refusal to forsake his faith and to defend the right of religious freedom for all. Today, 350 years later, lakhs have gathered at the heart of Delhi not to mourn, but to revive Guru Tegh Bahadur’s heroism with a grand kirtan-samagam and a continuous langar that feeds people from all walks of life. More than just with music and community, this remembrance signals the culmination of a profound transformation in the way India honours its Sikh heritage and the Gurus’ legacy within the national consciousness.

From Margins to the National Core

For decades, Sikh history was largely marked by episodic commemorations and regional pride. Now, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, these narratives have become pivotal chapters in India’s national story. The Modi government has made a decisive shift: Sikh Gurus are no longer only icons within Punjab or the diaspora but are now held up as torchbearers of Bharat’s civilisation, embodying Dharmic resistance, moral courage, and spiritual pluralism for all Indians.

The Centre’s efforts have taken Sikh history out of the realm of occasional festivals and placed it at the centre of Indian national identity. Official events around Sikh centennials have become showcases of unity and collective pride. All commemorations today are supported by state power, resources, and honours at the highest level.

A New Model for Remembrance

The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur stands as a pinnacle of this........

© News18