08.08.2026 : Governor inaugurates one-day National Seminar on The Legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

Governor inaugurates one-day National Seminar on The Legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma today inaugurated a one-day National Seminar on ‘The Legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’, organised to commemorate the 350th martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur at the Punjab Heritage Bhavan in CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai.

On the occasion of the 350th martyrdom day of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a one-day national seminar on “The Legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji” was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association, Navi Mumbai. In the inaugural address of the seminar held at the Punjab Heritage Bhawan Auditorium, the chief guest Sri Jishnu Dev Verma, Honourable Governor, Maharashtra said that I congratulate you all on this important occasion dedicated to the permanent legacy of the ninth guru of Sikhs, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Today we are not just remembering a great spiritual leader. We are paying tribute to one of the greatest defenders of human dignity, freedom of conscience and religious freedom in the history of mankind. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji holds an unparallelled place among the moral leaders of the world because he was martyred not voluntarily to protect his faith, but for upholding the right of others to follow his religion without fear or coercion.

His supreme sacrifice at Delhi in 1675 is one of the greatest examples of selfless courage in human history. When the Kashmiri Pandits sought their protection against religious persecution, Guru Tegh Bahadur ji stood firm for the principle that every person has the right to worship according to his conscience. Therefore, his sacrifice was not only for the Sikh community but for the entire human family. This timeless message finds a deep echo in the Constitution of India, which guarantees freedom of thought, expression, belief, belief and worship. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji had demonstrated centuries ago that true strength does not lie in domination but in protecting the freedom and dignity of every human being. His life inspires us to build a society based on justice, compassion, equality and mutual respect. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was also an extraordinary saint-poet. His divine creations, preserved in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, guide humanity towards inner peace, isolation from worldly temptations, fearlessness, humility and unwavering faith in the Almighty. His verses encourage us to remain calm in the midst of adversity and persevere in the pursuit of truth and righteousness.

His teachings are particularly relevant in today’s world, facing intolerance, violence, extremism, and social fragmentation. The ideals of dialogue, harmony, compassion and universal brotherhood propagated by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji provide a path to peaceful co-existence to humanity. Their message is beyond geographical boundaries and religious identities. Maharashtra has always harboured the values of social reform, religious harmony and national integration. Saint Gyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and many other brilliant personalities have consistently upheld the principles of justice and equality. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message harmoniously complements this rich spiritual and cultural tradition.

Organising this seminar demonstrates our collective commitment to preserve India’s civilisational heritage through scholarship and public discourse. I congratulate the Ministry of Culture, Sahitya Akademi and the Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association for bringing together eminent scholars, historians and literary personalities to examine the many dimensions of the life, philosophy and contribution of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. I am confident that the deliberations during this seminar will deepen his spiritual vision, literary contributions, moral values and our understanding of historical sacrifices. More importantly, they will inspire the younger generations to imbibe the ideals of courage, compassion, tolerance, service and respect for diversity.

India’s strength lies in its ability to celebrate diversity while united by the values of ordinary civilisation. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji reminds us that unity does not demand uniformity and true patriotism involves protecting the rights and dignity of every citizen irrespective of religion, language or culture. As we celebrate the 350th martyrdom day of this great son of India, let us affirm our commitment to the ideals for which he sacrificed his life. Let us strive to create a society where freedom of conscience, mutual respect, peace and justice flourish, and where every citizen feels safe in following his faith.

At the beginning of the inaugural session of the seminar, Sahitya Akademi President Dr Madhav Kaushik, Vice President Prof Kumud Sharma and Secretary Dr Varun Gulati welcomed the Honourable Governor Sri Jishnu Dev Verma by presenting a shawl, a memorial plaque and a book.

The guests who were present on the occasion were Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, President of Haryana Literature and Culture Academy Kuldeep Chandra Agnihotri, Takht Shri Abchal Nagar, Administrator of Hazur Sahib Vijay Satbir Singh, Honourable Governor, Secretary of Maharashtra Prashant Narnaware, Joint Secretary S. Ramamurthy was involved. Maharashtra Assembly Member Manda Tai Mahatre, Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil were also present in the seminar.

President of Sahitya Akademi at the beginning of the inaugural session Madhav Kaushik in his address recalled Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice and his legacy. At the end of the session, Sahitya Akademi Vice President Kumud Sharma thanked Made known.

In the first session of the seminar, Sahitya Akademi Secretary Varun Gulati, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India, Rupinder Brar mentioned the life and speech, legacy of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and called for walking on the path of his ideal. Rawail Singh, convener of the Punjabi Advisory Board, presided over the meeting.

The second session was chaired by eminent practitioner Dr Madhav Kaushik. In which scholarly speaker Gurmeet Singh Sidhu.

He did articles on ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life-philosophy’ and Parveen Kumar’s ‘The concept of renunciation in the speech of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’. In the third session of the seminar, the practitioner Manpreet Kaur Walia gave the subject of ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s thought-philosophy and importance in the present’ article was read. The session was chaired by eminent practitioners Amarjit Singh Grewal. Closing statement of the seminar Rawail Singh gave. At the end of the program, Gurbax Singh, President of Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association, Navi Mumbai, expressed gratitude to all the guests, people present.