New Delhi, December 17 (IANS). Vice President CP Radhakrishnan recalled his visit to Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib to pay humble tributes to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on his 350th martyrdom anniversary. He described Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as an example of moral courage, whose life and sacrifice are for the entire humanity.
Referring to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan said that it is one of the most extraordinary affirmations of religious freedom in history. He said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life not for political power or the superiority of any faith, but to protect the right of individuals to live and worship according to their conscience. The Vice President further said that in times of extreme intolerance, he stood as a shield for the persecuted.
Highlighting the eternal relevance of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s message, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan said Guru Teg Bahadur Ji taught the world that courage guided by compassion can transform societies, and that silence in the face of injustice is incompatible with true faith.
He said it is because of these enduring values that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is revered not only as a Sikh Guru, but as a universal symbol of supreme sacrifice and moral courage, and has been honored with the title of ‘Hind Di Chadar’.
The Vice President emphasized that India’s strength has always been its unity in diversity. He said that since ancient times, India has welcomed different religions, philosophies and cultures, a sentiment which was later enshrined by the Constitution makers through fundamental rights that guarantee freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.
Describing India as a country of many languages, cultures, traditions and religions, the Vice President referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, a vision rooted in the civilizational soul of India. He urged for collective efforts to achieve the goal of Developed India 2047.
Addressing contemporary global challenges, the Vice President said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India successfully chaired the G20 and transformed the Upanishadic philosophy “Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam” into the global theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
He said India is today providing solutions to complex global challenges, including climate change, through Mission Life, and recalled India’s humanitarian role during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free vaccines to more than 100 countries under the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative.
The Vice President said that the spirit of India’s civilization continues to inspire global harmony.
The Vice President said that the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is deeply linked to the spirit of India, a country where unity is not built on uniformity, but on mutual respect and understanding. He emphasized that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message is even more relevant today, reminding humanity that peace cannot be imposed by force, but must be built on justice, compassion and respect for human dignity.
–IANS
AMT/DKP