Srinagar November 19, 2025 : On Tuesday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal joined the sangat at the Kirtan Darbar organized by the state government at Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
During the event, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice to protect faith and religious freedom changed the course of India’s history. He said that today, Pandit Kirpa Ram Ji is also remembered with deep respect and homage, as he had unshakeable faith in the Sikh religion. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Pandit Kirpa Ram Ji was a resident of the town of Mattan, about 65 kilometers from Srinagar, and under his leadership, Kashmiri Pandits sought refuge from Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to protect their religion.
The Chief Minister said it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that Kashmiri Pandits will also join the Nagar Kirtan being organized in Srinagar, which is a beautiful symbol of communal harmony and unity. He said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifices were not for personal gain but for the welfare of all, and for the protection of truth and justice. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that 24 years after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom, in 1699, the Khalsa was created on the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The Chief Minister noted that the tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, sacrificed his entire family for the honor of religion, which is an unparalleled example in world history. He said that the spirit of resistance against tyranny, oppression, and injustice has been inherited by Punjabis from Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the spirit of sacrifice runs in our blood, and Punjabis take pride in their glorious heritage.
He said that the purpose of celebrating this great occasion is to spread the philosophy of the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, across the world so that the ideals of peace, harmony, and secularism — for which Guru Ji sacrificed himself — can be preserved. He added that nations that forget their rich heritage vanish from the pages of history, while those that draw inspiration from their past and walk in the light of martyrdom can find rays of hope even in darkness.
The Chief Minister said that the ninth Sikh Guru was a supporter of unity and religious tolerance. He said that his life and teachings are a beacon of light for all humanity. To commemorate Guru Ji’s martyrdom day, the Punjab Government has organized a series of events within and outside the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government is committed to upholding Guru Ji’s life, philosophy, and his sacrifice for religious freedom and human rights.
During his address, AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal called upon people to follow Guru Ji’s universal message of love, secularism, religious tolerance, freedom of faith, and peaceful coexistence. Terming it an opportunity to spread the message of Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice for humanity and religious freedom, he said the life and teachings of the ninth Guru remain a source of inspiration for the entire world. Arvind Kejriwal added that the Punjab Government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann has made extensive arrangements to celebrate this mega event in a befitting manner.
Arvind Kejriwal said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity, establishing an example for the world. He urged people to walk on the path of righteousness in the true tradition of humanity promoted by Guru Sahib. He said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life in Delhi to protect human rights and religious freedom — a sacrifice unparalleled in world history.
He said that the ninth Sikh Guru was a true symbol of secularism, unity, and universal brotherhood. He added that Guru Sahib’s life and vision continue to serve as a lighthouse for all humanity. He said that the main purpose of these events is to create awareness about Guru Sahib’s teachings, his life of sacrifice, and his eternal message of peace and humanity that continues to inspire millions around the world. Arvind Kejriwal said that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji raised his voice for the protection of religious freedom and was martyred in 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
Arvind Kejriwal said that the Kashmiri Pandits had approached Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for help to protect their faith. Despite several offers from the then rulers, Guru Ji refused to bow before oppression and chose the path of martyrdom to safeguard religious freedom. He said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered across the world as the first martyr who sacrificed his life for the protection of human rights.
He added that the pages of world history are filled with stories of meditation, discipline, bravery, sacrifice, and service, yet Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity opened a new chapter in human history. Instead of bowing before the rulers and their power, Guru Ji shook the roots of tyranny through his unparalleled sacrifice. Arvind Kejriwal said that before Guru Ji’s martyrdom, his grandfather Guru Arjan Dev Ji had also endured severe torture from the rulers and sacrificed his life with divine acceptance.
Summary :
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal took part in the Kirtan Darbar in Srinagar, engaging with devotees and marking their presence at the spiritual gathering.