Daijiworld Media Network - Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra, Nov 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Guru Tegh Bahadur dedicated his life to protecting truth, justice and faith, calling it his true dharma. He affirmed that the government would continue to honour and serve the “guru parampara” with the same commitment.

Modi was speaking at a special programme held to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru. Earlier in the day, the prime minister hoisted the saffron Dharma Dhwaj at the Ram temple in Ayodhya before arriving in Kurukshetra.

At the event, Modi released a special coin and a commemorative stamp marking the anniversary. Calling the day a “wonderful confluence of heritage,” he said he began his morning in Ayodhya, the land of Lord Ram, and later reached Kurukshetra, the land of Lord Krishna.

Recalling the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram temple in 2019, Modi said he had visited Dera Baba Nanak on the same day for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor and had prayed for the fulfilment of devotees’ aspirations. “Our prayers were answered,” he said.

The prime minister also unveiled the newly constructed ‘Panchjanya’ memorial dedicated to Lord Krishna’s conch at Jyotisar. Speaking to the gathering, Modi said Lord Krishna had declared on this land that protecting truth and justice is the highest dharma. Guru Tegh Bahadur, he added, lived and sacrificed his life for these very principles.

Modi later visited the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, an immersive centre showcasing key episodes of the epic. Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were present at the programme.

The prime minister also paid obeisance at a religious ceremony marking the anniversary, where 350 children performed Shabad Kirtan. A special sand art presentation was part of the event. Modi concluded the day by joining the Maha Aarti at the sacred Brahmasarovar during the International Gita Mahotsav.