The Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab has created history and set an example that will inspire generations to come. The decision to celebrate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji with grandeur across the state is not just a religious event—it reflects the philosophy of a government that views every religion and every culture with equal respect and does not engage in politics in the name of religion.
The first government that gave true respect to all religionsThe Mann government is the first government in Punjab to prove, upon coming to power, that secularism is not a slogan, but a practice. While previous governments played vote bank politics in the name of religion, this government has set a new standard by giving equal importance to the festivals and religious sites of all religions—Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
350th Martyrdom Day: Not Just an Event, It's a Message
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, known as "Hind Di Chadar" (India's Shield), made the supreme sacrifice to protect religious freedom and human rights. He laid down his life to protect Kashmiri Pandits when Aurangzeb forced them to convert to Islam. His sacrifice was not just for Sikhs, but for all humanity.
To convey this message to today's generation, the Punjab government has announced unprecedented events. An All-Religion Conference: A Grand Confluence of Brotherhood will mark this historic occasion, with religious leaders, scholars, and representatives from all major religions from India and abroad. This conference will revive the message Guru Teg Bahadur Ji gave through his sacrifice—every person has the right to practice his or her own religion.
This conference will not only be a discussion, but will also embrace concrete resolutions for religious harmony, mutual respect, and social unity. This event will demonstrate that the Punjab government is not a government of any one religion, but of all humanity.
Grand Historic Sangat at Anandpur Sahib
A massive Sangat will be held for millions of devotees at Anandpur Sahib, the holy Sikh pilgrimage site. Devotees from India and abroad will recite Guru Ji's teachings, listen to kirtans, and pay homage to his sacrifice and dedication. The government has made special arrangements for the devotees—free food, medical facilities, security, and special buses for transportation. All this because this government believes that respecting people's faith is its primary duty.
Nagar Kirtan: A Continuous Stream of Faith
Grand Nagar Kirtans will be organized across Punjab. From Amritsar to Ferozepur, Patiala to Ludhiana, Guru Ji's birth anniversary will be celebrated in every city and village. Panchayats will be given special grants to ensure that this festival can be celebrated with pomp and show in every village. This is the first time a government has supported religious events on such a large scale, without any political motive.
A Confluence of Technology and Tradition: Drone and Light Show
Showcasing the fusion of modernity and tradition, a grand drone show and laser light show will be held at Anandpur Sahib. Thousands of drones will illuminate the sky with the image of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, his message, and the story of his sacrifice.
This display will not only be visually captivating but also serve as a means of connecting the younger generation with history. The government wants today's youth to understand Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's message and implement it in their lives.
Special Session of the Punjab Assembly at Anandpur Sahib
For the first time in history, a special session of the Punjab Assembly has been proposed to be held at a religious site. The Assembly will meet at Anandpur Sahib, where the Khalsa Panth was born—this is not only a symbolic move but also demonstrates that democracy and religion are complementary, not contradictory.
This session will discuss Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's sacrifice, his principles, and their relevance in modern society. Members of all political parties will come together and pass a resolution pledging to incorporate Guru Tegh Bahadur's ideals into state policies.
The government has announced special educational programs in schools and colleges. Students will be taught in detail about Guru Tegh Bahadur's life, his sacrifice, and his message.Essay competitions, painting competitions, plays, and cultural programs will instill in children reverence for Guru Tegh Bahadur and an understanding of his principles. This is not just an event, but a campaign to inculcate values across generations.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on the occasion, "Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life to protect people of other religions. This teaches us that religion does not divide us, it unites us. Our government also follows this principle—we are not the government of any one community, but of the entire Punjab."
Previous governments used religion as a vote bank, pitting one community against another, and spreading hatred in the name of religion. But the Mann government has proven that religion is a medium of service, not politics. When this government decided to celebrate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, it was not an election stunt.
It was a symbol of true devotion. It was an attempt to show that the government respects religion, but does not drag religion into politics.The 350th Martyrdom Day is not just a historic event—it is a message. It is a resolution. It is the beginning of a new thinking.
Public Appeal
The Punjab government has appealed to all citizens—regardless of their religion, caste, or community—to participate enthusiastically in this historic occasion. This is not just a celebration of Sikhs; it is a celebration of all humanity. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji taught: “All human beings are equal.”
Today, the Punjab government is living that principle. This is a government that does not play politics in the name of religion. This is a government that gives equal respect to every religion and every culture. This is a government that is giving Punjab a new future—a future of equality, harmony, and development.
This initiative by Punjab is an example for the entire country—of how a government can implement secularism not just in the Constitution, but on the ground.Salute to the sacrifice of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. This is a pledge to carry forward his message.