Why in the news?

  • Indian Railways set to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to educate the younger generation about his teachings and sacrifices.

Guru Tegh Bahadur

  • Who is he?
    • Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, known as the “Protector of Humanity” (Hind di Chadar).
    • Born Tyaga Mal in Amritsar, Punjab in 1621, he was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru. He learned Gurmukhi, archery, swordsmanship, and horse riding. 
    • He played a significant role in promoting Sikh values of courage, sacrifice, and religious tolerance.
  • Key Contributions:
    • Religious Leadership
      • Advocated for spiritual enlightenment and moral conduct.
      • Composed 115 hymns included in the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasizing inner peace and devotion to God.
    • Social Reform
      • Stood against caste-based discrimination and superstitions.
      • Encouraged equality and selfless service to humanity.
    • Advocacy for Religious Freedom
      • Opposed forced religious conversions under the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
      • Supported the Kashmiri Pandits who sought his help to preserve their religious freedom.
    • Sacrifice for Justice
      • Martyred in 1675 at the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi by Aurangzeb for upholding the right to religious freedom.
    • Legacy
      • His martyrdom strengthened Sikhism’s foundations and inspired resistance against injustice.
      • Celebrated annually through Shaheedi Divas to honor his sacrifice.
  • Significance in Modern Context:
    • Embodies principles of secularism and the fight for human rights.
    • A symbol of standing firm for one’s beliefs, relevant in the struggle against intolerance and oppression.