Oct 30: A distinguished Sikh delegation led by S. Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Sri Amritsar Sahib, along with Shriman Mahant Manjeet Singh, called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha to discuss the upcoming Nagar Kirtan scheduled to commence from Gurdwara Mattan Sahib on November 15, 2025. The sacred procession will commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, whose supreme sacrifice stands as a timeless symbol of religious freedom, courage, and compassion.
The meeting underscored the spiritual and cultural significance of this historic occasion. The delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor about the preparations for the Nagar Kirtan, the route arrangements, community participation, and the series of devotional programmes planned to honor Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s unparalleled contribution to humanity. The discussions also revolved around the promotion and preservation of the Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir, a key aspect of cultural identity for the Sikh community in the region.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conveyed his deep reverence for Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, describing him as a “beacon of truth and tolerance who upheld the ideals of humanity and justice.” He assured the delegation of full administrative cooperation to ensure that the Nagar Kirtan is conducted smoothly and with the dignity it deserves. The LG emphasized that such events embody India’s pluralistic ethos and highlight the message of unity in diversity that forms the foundation of the nation’s cultural fabric.
The 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji holds immense spiritual importance not only for Sikhs but for all who value peace, liberty, and interfaith harmony. His martyrdom in defense of religious freedom remains one of the most defining moments in Indian history—a lesson in moral courage and universal brotherhood. The planned Nagar Kirtan from Gurdwara Mattan Sahib will be a grand expression of gratitude and remembrance, bringing devotees together in devotion, reflection, and service.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the SGPC and Sikh religious leaders for their efforts in organizing the event with dedication and foresight. He acknowledged the Sikh community’s vital role in promoting social harmony, education, and humanitarian service across Jammu and Kashmir. The LG reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and traditions of every community and supporting initiatives that strengthen communal amity and cultural inclusiveness.
A significant portion of the meeting was also dedicated to the promotion of the Punjabi language, which holds deep cultural and emotional value for the Sikh and Punjabi-speaking population in the UT. The delegation urged greater institutional support for Punjabi in education, literature, and media. LG Sinha assured that the administration remains committed to linguistic diversity and cultural preservation as enshrined in the constitutional spirit of India.
He further emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir, with its rich mosaic of languages and faiths, has always stood as a living example of India’s cultural unity, and the government will continue to nurture every tradition that contributes to peace and mutual respect.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of gratitude and goodwill. The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes for the Nagar Kirtan and called upon citizens of all communities to participate and celebrate the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose message of compassion, equality, and sacrifice continues to illuminate the path of humanity.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the LG’s unwavering support and inclusive approach toward community welfare and interfaith harmony. The event promises to not only strengthen communal bonds but also reaffirm the shared values of respect, coexistence, and devotion that define the spirit of Jammu and Kashmir.
As Jammu and Kashmir prepares to host this spiritually enriching procession, the Nagar Kirtan from Gurdwara Mattan Sahib will stand as a powerful reminder of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s eternal message—that true strength lies in defending righteousness, protecting others’ faith, and upholding the dignity of all human beings.
