The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was observed in Dimapur, with Dr Pritpal Kaur Batra urging the Sikh community to uphold unity, service, compassion and cultural identity.
DIMAPUR — The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was observed at Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Dimapur on Sunday.
The programme was organised by the Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, Punjabi Community and Punjabi Youth Istri Satsang Sabha.
Speaking as the chief guest, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Dr. Pritpal Kaur Batra said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the teachings, commands and divine words of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and incorporate them into daily life.
Describing Sikhism as a faith founded on service, courage and compassion, Dr. Batra said the Sikh community had consistently extended help wherever it was needed.
She called for unity within the community and urged people to support one another and move forward together. She also encouraged children to study diligently, build their careers and remain focused on education.
At the same time, Dr. Batra urged the younger generation not to forget their identity and cultural roots while pursuing success in life.
Read more local news: Fazl Ali, CKB Commerce College hold cultural exchange programme
SEWA Shakti Kendra inaugurated in Tuensang
She highlighted Gurbani, Kirtan and Gurmukhi as three foundational pillars of the Sikh faith and called upon the younger generation to preserve their culture irrespective of their professional achievements or social status.
Dr. Batra further urged the community to rise above worldly vices such as lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego, and uphold the values of compassion, service and unity.
The martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was described as one of the most extraordinary sacrifices in human history.
He did not give his life for himself or solely for the Sikh community, but stood fearlessly for the right of others to practise their faith without coercion.
When Kashmiri Pandits faced pressure to abandon their Hindu faith and convert to Islam, they sought protection from Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Guru Sahib chose to stand with the oppressed and defend the principle of religious freedom, ultimately making the supreme sacrifice for the cause.