Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Protector of the weak and the unfortunate
Guru Tegh Bahadur was born on April 1, 1621, in Guru Mahal, Amritsar, to the sixth Guru of the Sikh faith, Guru Hargobind Ji, and Mata Nanaki Devi. As the son of a Guru, he was afforded many comforts during his upbringing, but he also inherited the Sikh Gurus’ tradition of sacrifice, dedication, and social service. He grew up in Amritsar, Punjab. While he spent long periods in study, contemplation, and reflection, he also became an excellent soldier and a skilful warrior. On many occasions, he broke through enemy lines in battle and defeated the opposing army. However, once he understood the sorrow and hardship caused by war, he developed a deep aversion to it. He even wrote in his Bani (sacred writings) about how meaningless continuous warfare is.
Today, however, an image of Guru Tegh Bahadur is being created as a foe of one religion and a protector of his own. Guru Tegh Bahadur was certainly proud of his own faith, but he did not hate any religion. He consistently maintained his stance that no one should commit atrocities in the name of religion. He established the new town of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, a place that holds global importance today.
This year marks the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Guru of the Sikh faith, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. According to the Nanakshahi calendar, November 24th is observed annually as Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Shaheedi Gurpurab. This year, the Central Government, the Punjab Government, the Maharashtra Government, and all major state governments across the country have decided to undertake various initiatives to mark the occasion. A large-scale program is planned to take place in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, from November 15 to November 24, 2025.
Tegh Bahadur Ji is also referred to as “Hind ki Chadar”. The great Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib sacrificed his life for the principles of religious freedom and harmony. The world-renowned historian, Dr. Noel King, who studies various religions at the University of California, described Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as the first martyr in the world to sacrifice his life for human rights.
Sarbpreet Singh, a famous historian, writes in his The Story of the Sikhs that when Guru Ji was arrested and brought before Aurangzeb, he presented his case, saying, “My religion may not be Hindu, I do not accept the supremacy of the Vedas or idol worship, but I accept the right of Hindus to live with dignity and practice their religion, and I will struggle for it.”
Furthermore, Barrister N. V. Gadgil, in his book History of the Sikhs, writes: “What Aurangzeb had anticipated as a result of Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice did not happen. Instead, the public opinion, which had been silent against the Mughal rule for some years, became more powerful and agitated. This sacrifice created a feeling of outrage not only among the Sikhs but among all Hindu castes and communities. “
Generally, some people are unable to resist despite their desire to. Some begin resistance but halt it when faced with difficulties, deeming the chosen path impractical. However, individuals like Guru Tegh Bahadur remain faithful to the inspiration received and the firm resolution made, resisting till the very end—till their last breath, till the last drop of blood.
It is described that despite attacking Hindu superstitions and ritualism, and holding different views from traditional beliefs—even opposing idol worship—the Guru cheerfully sacrificed his life for the Janeyu and Tilak of the Kashmiri Pandits. In terms of moral conduct, Guru Tegh Bahadur was a fearless warrior as well as a great, scholarly spiritual leader and poet. His 115 hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the protector of the weak and the unfortunate, was also known for his skill in cannon technology. The modern world has widely taken up the issue of human rights, but Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji articulated it long before. We should be proud of this. Moreover, at a time when there is discussion about freedom of worship and dialogue among various religious systems, the remembrance of Guru Tegh Bahadur is extremely pertinent.
Forty years after the Nellie massacre in Assam—an incident rooted in local tribal tensions that was later given a religious narrative, resulting in thousands of deaths and posing the risk of future instability—the inquiry report is finally set to be tabled in the Assam Assembly. In this context, the Chief Minister of Assam is attempting to portray Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a defender of the Hindu religion.
There is an important memory concerning Guru Tegh Bahadur’s visit to Assam. Even in that period, conflict had erupted there between local tribal communities and the royal army. He personally travelled to Assam and successfully negotiated peace agreements between the tribal communities and the royal army, which is why he is still recognized there as an Ambassador of Peace. It would be detrimental for the country if conflicts are instigated again among various castes and communities in the same region, using his name. Furthermore, the world, which is becoming increasingly turbulent and violent today, needs Guru Tegh Bahadur’s message of peace now more than ever before.
Former President of India Giani Zail Singh once stated: “The history of the world is full of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their principles. They illuminated new paths with the flow of their blood. But Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom is unique and unparalleled.”
Stating that the Guru sacrificed his life in opposition to tyranny and frenzy, Giani Zail Singh further said: “It can be unequivocally stated that if atrocities were being committed against Muslims and they were deprived of the right to offer Namaz or worship, the Guru would have gladly given his life to protect them as well.” (Reference: Ek Bemisaal Shaheedi, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai, January 16, 1976, Page 3)
History is a witness to what happened next.
As the issue of human rights is at the forefront globally, various initiatives are being undertaken worldwide for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which is called Shaheedi Purab in Punjab. Among these, the Sarhad organization has planned various activities. One of them is the organization of the Second World Punjabi Literature Convention in Delhi, where he was martyred, in February 2026. The central theme of this literary convention is Human Rights. Writers and thinkers from across the world will attend, which is believed to be a true tribute to him.
The author is the Founder-President of the Sarhad organization.
