KURUKSHETRA/NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi paid glowing tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary in Kurukshetra Tuesday, saying the ninth Sikh Guru considered the protection of truth, justice and faith his dharma, and sacrificed his life to defend it.His government will continue with the same “guru parampara”, the PM said at an event organised by Haryana govt in Kurukshetra’s Jyotisar village.Beginning his speech with the words “Jo Bole So Nihaal…”, the PM said he was struck by the amazing confluence of the country’s heritage: “This morning, I was in the land of Ramayana, in Ayodhya, and now I am in the land of Bhagavad Gita, Kurukshetra, to pay tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur ji.”Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life is an inspiration, Modi said. He spoke of the Guru’s penance and courage and said his martyrdom was a symbol of fearless resistance during Mughal oppression. He noted how the Guru “challenged Aurangzeb’s forced conversions, remained steadfast despite temptations and torture, witnessed the martyrdom of his companions without wavering, and ultimately offered his head in defence of dharma”. Kurukshetra is blessed as nearly every Sikh Guru came here, he said. “This is the land where Shri Krishna said it is noble to sacrifice one’s life in the defence of one’s dharma on the path of truth. Guru Tegh Bahadur also saw the defence of truth, justice and faith as his dharma and he sacrificed his life for it,” PM Modi said.”India has followed Guruji’s principle of offering brotherhood to the world but not compromising with its security. Op Sindoor is the biggest example of this,” he said, adding: “We want peace but do not make any compromise with our security. The whole world has seen that the new India neither gets scared nor is it cowed by terrorism. Today, India is surging ahead with full strength, courage, and clarity.””The gurus’ teachings form foundation of character, culture & spirit of India. My govt has followed the teachings.”
