Marking the 350th ‘Shaheedi Diwas’ (martyrdom day) of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reached Sri Anandpur Sahib on Sunday, joining the Sangat at Gurdwara Baba Budha Dal Chhavani for the commencement of the Sri Akhand Path Sahib. The two leaders bowed before Akal Purakh and took part in the ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ Ardas as the commemorative events formally began.
Speaking at the occasion, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “We’ve offered ardas at the sacred feet of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to seek blessings for the smooth and uninterrupted organisation of the programmes dedicated to Guru Sahib Ji’s sacrifice. The message of peace, harmony, and shared culture given by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a beacon of light for all humanity.”
Arvind Kejriwal added, “It is our collective duty to walk on the path shown by our great Sikh Gurus. The sacred ‘baani’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji guides humanity towards brotherhood, fairness, and social equality.”
Highlighting the government’s approach, he added, “The Punjab government is working for the welfare of the people of Punjab by adopting the great teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Inspired by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the state government is undertaking these grand arrangements to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Divas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.”
The AAP Chief appealed to the people to follow the high ideals of secularism, humanism, and self-sacrifice embodied by ‘Hind Ki Chadar’ Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I consider myself fortunate to have received the opportunity to organise these programmes, because Guru Sahib Ji sacrificed his life to protect religious freedom and human rights. Guru Ji’s supreme sacrifice is unique and incomparable in human history and stands as a symbol of firm resistance against tyranny. The sacred baani of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, gives us the message of unity, global brotherhood, sacrifice, and compassion.”
Emphasising the real tribute to the Guru, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To truly adopt the great teachings of Guru Sahib Ji with sincerity is the real homage. Let us rise above caste, colour, race, and narrow thinking and dedicate ourselves with devotion and missionary spirit to the service of society, especially the poor and the deprived.” He appealed to the people to celebrate this sacred occasion with a spirit of goodwill and social unity to strengthen the nation’s unity and integrity.
Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann together appealed to the people to enthusiastically participate in the programmes being organised by the state government in Sri Anandpur Sahib from 23 to 25 November.
