Chandigarh, June 18:- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the sacrifice of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, is a unique example of truth, righteousness, humanity and spiritual strength in Indian history. His life and martyrdom inspire people never to bow before injustice, oppression and falsehood. The Chief Minister was addressing a state-level function organized in Panchkula on the occasion of the 420th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. A documentary based on the life of Guru Arjan Dev Ji was also screened on the occasion. The Chief Minister also participated in the traditional *Chabeel Seva*. Several saints and religious leaders from Haryana and Punjab attended the event and appreciated the Haryana Government for organizing the programme, while expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
Addressing the gathering organized under the Haryana Government’s “Sant Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prasar Yojana,” the Chief Minister said that he felt fortunate to be present at the sacred land of Shri Mata Mansa Devi and Shri Nada Sahib. Paying tribute to Guru Arjan Dev Ji, he said that the Guru’s sacrifice is not only the heritage of the Sikh community but a source of inspiration for the entire nation.
He said that India's history is enriched with glorious traditions of sacrifice, penance, devotion and spiritual courage. Whenever the nation, religion, culture and humanity faced challenges, saints and Gurus safeguarded truth and righteousness through their sacrifices. Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom stands as one of the highest examples of this noble tradition.
The Chief Minister said that Guru Arjan Dev Ji played a significant role in uniting society and bringing humanity together. By establishing Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and constructing four entrances in all directions, Guru Sahib conveyed the message that this sacred place is open to all humanity, irrespective of caste, class or religion. He added that centuries ago Guru Sahib had already embodied the ideals of social harmony, equality and the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
Nayab Singh Saini said that by compiling the hymns of saints such as Sant Kabir, Sant Namdev, Baba Farid and Sant Ravidas in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji performed the unparalleled task of binding India’s diversity into a thread of unity. Even today, Sri Guru Granth Sahib continues to guide humanity as a spiritual beacon.
The Chief Minister said that Martyrdom Day is not merely an occasion to pay tribute but also a time for self-reflection. Remembering Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s sacrifice fills people with pride and also reminds them of the immense suffering he endured to uphold truth and faith. He noted that the Mughal ruler Jahangir felt threatened by Guru Sahib’s growing influence and spiritual awakening among the people. Guru Sahib was imprisoned in Lahore and subjected to inhuman torture, yet he never compromised his principles.
He said that being made to sit on a burning iron plate, having hot sand poured over his body and enduring unbearable pain were extreme acts of cruelty, but Guru Sahib remained calm and unwavering. By uttering “Tera Kiya Meetha Lage,” he accepted the will of the Almighty. This was not merely a martyrdom but the highest example of spiritual endurance, inner strength and unwavering faith in God.
The Chief Minister said that Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s sacrifice teaches us never to compromise on truth, justice and culture. At a time when the nation is progressing towards the vision of a developed India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the teachings of Guru Sahib continue to serve as a guiding force.
He further stated that Haryana has always been the land of saints, Gurus and warriors. The soil of Haryana carries both the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the fragrance of the sacrifices made by the Gurus. The state government remains fully committed to carrying forward this rich legacy. He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, significant efforts are being made across the country to honour the contributions and sacrifices of Sikh Gurus. Celebrations of the 400th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the national observance of Veer Bal Diwas and the development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor are historic initiatives in this direction.
The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government has also taken several important decisions to introduce Sikh history and the teachings of the Gurus to younger generations. Sikh history has been included in the Class VIII history curriculum, enabling students to learn about the sacrifices and ideals of Sikh Gurus as well as Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
He informed that special trains were operated from Kurukshetra and Sirsa to facilitate pilgrimage to Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded. Additionally, the government has provided for one government job to a member of each of the 121 families affected by the 1984 riots. On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, Union Home Minister Amit Shah handed over appointment letters to these families in Panchkula.
The Chief Minister further said that nearly nine acres of land belonging to the historic Gurdwara Chilla Sahib in Sirsa had been transferred in the name of the Gurdwara without any fee. He personally handed over the documents in the presence of the Sikh congregation. He also stated that the medical college being established in Yamunanagar has been named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Likewise, a Government Polytechnic College in Ambala and the Tohana-Jind-Dhamtan Sahib road have also been named in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Nayab Singh Saini said that Sikh Gurus gave the message of equality, service, compassion, brotherhood and social justice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” is inspired by the same spirit. He emphasized that serving the last person in society is true religion. He added that the Langar tradition initiated by the Gurus teaches equality and humanity, demonstrating that kings and commoners, rich and poor, are all equal. Eliminating caste discrimination, untouchability and social divisions is essential for building a united and strong society.
Appealing to the youth, the Chief Minister urged them to draw inspiration from the glorious history and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus. He said that when young people understand their history and heritage, their confidence grows and they can contribute more effectively to nation-building. He called upon everyone to follow the path of truth, service, compassion and remembrance of God as taught by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, adding that this would be the truest tribute to the Guru and the most effective way to strengthen peace, harmony and brotherhood in society.
Among those present on the occasion were Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishna Lal Middha, Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda, Badkhal MLA Dhanesh Adlakha, Chief Minister’s OSD Dr. Prabhleen Singh, Giani Harpreet Singh, HSGMC Vice President S. Gurmeet Singh, former Haryana Assembly Speaker Gyan Chand Gupta, Sant Baba Joga Singh, Sardar Jasdeep Singh, Mahant Mahesh Muni, Sant Baba Maan Singh Jurasiwale, Swami Rajeshwaranand, Baba Sultan Singh, Baba Devender Singh Israna and several other dignitaries.