New Delhi - Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has called for a united effort with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru.
In a letter addressed to SGPC President S. Harjinder Singh Dhami, DSGMC President S. Harmeet Singh Kalka urged that the commemoration functions be held jointly, reflecting the spirit of Panthic unity and honouring Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was martyred in Delhi for protection and religious freedom of Hindu religion. “There are reports of separate events being planned by DSGMC and SGPC. Such a fragmented approach is not befitting the legacy of Guru Sahib, ” Kalka stated in his letter.
He reminded SGPC of past collective efforts that united the Sikh community: the 300th anniversary of Khalsa Sajna Diwas in 1999 at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib; the 400th Parkash Purab of Guru Angad Dev Ji; the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 2019 at Sultanpur Lodhi; and the tercentenary of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, in 2008.
Kalka also requested that the commemoration include remembrance of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dyala Ji, who were martyred alongside Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
“These commemoration events will be presided over by SGPC. Since Guru Sahib attained martyrdom at the site of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, the main functions will be centered there, ” Kalka added. He expressed hope for a united and befitting tribute to the profound legacy of the ninth Guru