Hoshiarpur: Former Member of Parliament Avinash Rai Khanna bowed his head in the Nagar Kirtan held to commemorate the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur. On this occasion, Khanna highlighted the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur, saying that as the ninth Guru, he is called "Hind ki Chadar" (the shield of India) because he sacrificed his life to protect religious freedom and the principles of the religion.
He was a scholar, poet, and fearless warrior whose 115 hymns are included in the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. Khanna said that the need of the hour is to remember Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice and follow his teachings to establish harmony in society and serve the nation. On this occasion, Khanna was presented with a Siropa (a sacred thread) and bestowed with the Guru's blessings.