President Murmu's Tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur

On the solemn occasion of Shaheedi Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu leads the nation in paying homage to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

This definitive guide explores the deep spiritual significance of the President’s tribute, the historical context of the ‘Hind Di Chadar,’ and the universal lessons of Dharma and sacrifice found in Vedic philosophy that resonate with the Guru’s supreme martyrdom.

President Murmu’s Tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur: The Essence of Sacrifice and Dharma

President Murmu’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on Martyrdom Day serves not only as a national remembrance but as a profound reminder of the cost of spiritual freedom. In a world often divided by intolerance, the President’s words recall the supreme sacrifice of the Ninth Sikh Guru, who laid down his life to protect the rights of others to practice their faith. As a Vedic Scholar, analyzing this event requires us to look beyond the political ceremony and understand the deep metaphysical alignment between the Guru’s actions and the eternal principles of Sanatana Dharma - specifically the protection of righteousness (Dharma) and the concept of Seva (selfless service).

The Essence of the Tribute: A Featured Summary

To understand the core of this observance, one must ask: What is President Droupadi Murmu’s Tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on Martyrdom Day?

President Droupadi Murmu’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on Martyrdom Day is a solemn homage to the Ninth Sikh Guru’s supreme sacrifice for the protection of human rights and religious freedom. She honors him as ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (The Shield of India), highlighting his fearless resolve to safeguard the dignity of humanity against tyranny, thereby inspiring unity, compassion, and the defense of Dharma in the nation.

This tribute is a call to the nation to embody the values of fearlessness and compassion. It reinforces the narrative that India’s cultural and spiritual integrity was preserved through the blood of martyrs who valued Truth (Satya) above life itself.

The Historical Context: The Shield of India

To fully appreciate President Murmu’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, we must revisit the dark era of the 17th century.

The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had unleashed a reign of terror, specifically targeting the Kashmiri Pandits, forcing conversions and dismantling the indigenous spiritual fabric of the land.

When a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib, pleading for protection, the Guru famously stated that a great soul needed to sacrifice himself to stop the tyranny.

His young son, Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh Ji), remarked that there was no soul greater than the Guru himself.

The Act of Martyrdom

Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in Delhi in 1675. He watched his loyal disciples - Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala - tortured to death before being beheaded himself.

He refused to perform miracles to save his life, standing firm on the principle that the will of the Creator is supreme.

This act earned him the title ‘Hind Di Chadar’, meaning the Shield of India. He died not for his own religion (Sikhism), but to protect the Tilak and Janeu (sacred symbols) of the Hindus.

This is a unique instance in world history where a prophet of one faith sacrificed his life to save the followers of another.

Vedic Perspectives on the Guru’s Sacrifice

While Guru Tegh Bahadur is the spiritual light of Sikhism, his actions resonate deeply with the core tenets of Vedic philosophy. As a scholar, one can draw parallels between his sacrifice and the teachings of the ancient scriptures.

1. Protection of Dharma (Dharma Raksha)

The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 8) clearly states:

“Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha dushkritam, dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge.”

(For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness, I am born in every age.)

Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied this divine function. He stood as a wall between the righteous (Sadhunam) and the tyranny of the wicked. His martyrdom was the ultimate Dharma Raksha.

2. The Immortality of the Soul (Atman)

The Guru’s fearlessness in the face of death reflects the wisdom of the Katha Upanishad, which teaches that the soul is unborn and undying.

He demonstrated that the physical body is merely a vessel, and true strength lies in the conviction of the spirit. As the Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 20) says:

“Na jayate mriyate va kadachin…”

(The soul is never born and never dies; it is not slain when the body is slain.)

3. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

The Maha Upanishad (Chapter 6, Verse 72) teaches “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family). By dying for the Kashmiri Pandits, Guru Tegh Bahadur proved that spiritual boundaries are man-made.

He saw the divine light in all, refusing to let one part of the human family be crushed by another.

Why President Murmu’s Tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Matters Today

In the modern context, the President’s message serves several critical functions for the socio-political and spiritual health of the nation:

• Unity in Diversity: It reminds the nation that the defense of diversity is an Indian tradition. The Guru gave his life so that others could be different from him.
• Resistance to Tyranny: It serves as a beacon against oppression. It teaches that silence in the face of injustice is complicity.
• Spiritual Secularism: It defines true Indian secularism - not the rejection of religion, but the profound respect for all paths to the Divine.

Practical Sadhana: Applying the Wisdom in Daily Life

Understanding the history is not enough; we must apply these principles. Here is a practical guide to living the values highlighted by President Murmu’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur:

The 3-Step Practice of Fearlessness (Abhaya)

1. Speak the Truth (Satya Vachan): Start by being honest in small matters. The courage to speak truth in daily life builds the muscle to stand for Truth in big moments. As the Mundaka Upanishad states, “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs).
2. Practice Seva (Service): Dedicate at least one hour a week to selfless service. This could be feeding the hungry, helping a neighbor, or volunteering. This reduces ego and builds compassion.
3. Protect the Weak: If you see bullying, harassment, or injustice in your workplace or community, do not look away. Politely but firmly intervene. This is the essence of the Guru’s teaching.

The Benefits of Embracing This Philosophy

Internalizing the lessons from President Murmu’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur brings profound benefits:

• Mental Resilience: Knowing that you stand for something greater than yourself eliminates petty anxieties.
• Spiritual Growth: Self-sacrifice and service are the fastest paths to dissolving the ego (Ahamkara).
• Social Harmony: When we respect other faiths as the Guru did, we create a peaceful, cooperative society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Guru Tegh Bahadur called ‘Hind Di Chadar’?

‘Hind Di Chadar’ translates to ‘The Shield of India’ or ‘The Blanket of India.’ He was given this title because he sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of the Hindus (specifically Kashmiri Pandits) from the forced conversions initiated by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

2. What is the significance of President Murmu’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur regarding secularism?

President Murmu’s tribute highlights that Indian secularism is rooted in the ancient value of Sarva Dharma Sambhav (equal respect for all religions). By honoring a Sikh Guru who died for Hindus, she emphasizes that true spirituality transcends religious labels.

3. When is Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day observed?

Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) is observed annually on the day of his execution. The date varies according to the Nanakshahi calendar, usually falling in late November or early December. It is a restricted holiday in India.

4. How can I celebrate Martyrdom Day at home?

You can observe the day by reciting Gurbani, specifically the Salok Mahalla 9 (hymns written by the Guru found in the Guru Granth Sahib). You can also perform Seva (service) at a local Gurudwara or donate to the needy in his name.

5. Did Guru Tegh Bahadur write any scriptures?

Yes, Guru Tegh Bahadur contributed 116 hymns (shabads) and slokas to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. His writings focus on the transient nature of the world, the importance of devotion, and the need to overcome fear and attachment.

Conclusion: The Eternal Flame of Sacrifice

President Murmu’s tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on Martyrdom Day is more than a ceremonial gesture; it is a revitalizing of the national consciousness. It reminds us that the fabric of India is woven with threads of sacrifice. The Guru’s life teaches us that the body is perishable, but the ideals we live for are eternal.

As we reflect on this day, let us recall the Vedic prayer: “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrityor ma amritam gamaya.” (Lead us from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.)

Guru Tegh Bahadur walked this path to its ultimate conclusion. It is now our duty to walk in his footsteps, protecting the weak and upholding the Truth.