On Sunday, something happened on the sacred soil of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab that was perhaps witnessed for the first time in history. Major religious leaders from different religions and faiths across the world gathered on one platform to remember Hind Di Chadar (Shield of India) Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. At the All-Religion Conference organized on the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with religious gurus from across the world, bowed at the Guru’s feet – the Guru who sacrificed his life to protect those of a different faith.
Addressing the large gathering of devotees, Arvind Kejriwal made a profound statement that compels everyone to think. He said that there is no example in all of history where someone gave their martyrdom to save another religion. Many people sacrificed their lives for their own religion, for their own faith, but Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life for the freedom of others’ religion. This shows that we are all one and every religion is supreme – this is the special thing that makes him unique in the entire world. Kejriwal said that it is very significant that religious leaders from around the world have come to this sacred land with the Punjab government to pay tribute to the great Guru Sahib.
Kejriwal also informed that the Punjab government is transforming all 142 villages that were sanctified by Guru Sahib’s footsteps. The government is providing funds to develop these villages so that wherever Guru Sahib’s feet touched, prosperity and abundance may come. This is not just a development plan, but a way to keep the memory of Guru Sahib alive. He said that every religion teaches us humanity, compassion, and living together peacefully. The purpose of this All-Religion Conference is to give the message of Sarbat Da Bhala (welfare of all), just as our Sikh Gurus taught us.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann clearly stated in his address that the Punjab government has always been committed to respecting all religions and maintaining peace, brotherhood, and goodwill in the state. He said that Punjab is a land where great Gurus, saints, fakirs, and martyrs were born. It is the duty of the state government to preserve and carry forward this rich heritage of the land. The Chief Minister said that the sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib is the highest and unparalleled because he made this sacrifice to protect others’ religion.
Making a major announcement, Bhagwant Mann said that in memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, there will not be just a one-day event, but different congregations and programs will be organized throughout the year. This series will continue in the coming years as well. Every year, major programs will be held on Guru Sahib’s martyrdom day so that future generations can also become familiar with Guru Sahib’s great teachings and his sacrifice. The Chief Minister said that the state government will also make necessary changes in the school curriculum so that children can understand the contribution of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and great martyrs like Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayala Ji.
The Chief Minister also informed that the government has made large-scale arrangements for the convenience of devotees visiting Anandpur Sahib. 700 electric rickshaws have been deployed for free service, 20 mini buses are running, a tent city has been created, and vast parking facilities have been arranged. All these facilities have been provided so that the congregation faces no difficulties in paying obeisance. Besides this, a large Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) has been taken out from Srinagar which will reach Anandpur Sahib passing through Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and other districts.
Concluding his speech, Arvind Kejriwal appealed to people to follow the great teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He said that Guru Sahib taught us the greatest lesson of humanity. He taught that every human being has the right to choose their religion according to their conscience, and it is the responsibility of all of us to protect this right. Kejriwal said that if we truly want to honor Guru Sahib, we must build a society where there is goodwill, brotherhood, and respect for each other’s religion.
This conference was not just a religious event, but the most necessary message in today’s times that despite having different religions and faiths, we can all live together, respect each other, and together build a better world. The example that Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib set 350 years ago is still as relevant today and perhaps even more necessary in the current era than ever before.
