Farmers Movement Archive

PM Narendra Modi reaches out, recalls Sikh Gurus

NEW DELHI: In yet another outreach to the Sikh community at a time when farmers from Punjab are leading protests against the new farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last episode of this year’s “Mann ki Baat” on Sunday, recalled sacrifices made by the Sikh Gurus and their families, referring to the martydom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons Zorawar and Fateh Singh who were walled alive by the Mughals. The Sikh community has played a vital role in preserving the fabric of the country and resisted attempts of invaders who wanted the Gurus and their families to renounce their faith, the Prime Minister said, referring to the Mughal rulers — without naming them — as tyrants and tormentors. Paying homage to Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, the Prime Minister said they had held onto their faith even as they saw death closing in on them. This is the third time Modi recalled the Sikh Gurus in recent speeches having referred to Guru Gobind Singh’s message of dialogue at all times and then visiting Gurudwara Rakabganj in central Delhi to commemorate the matrydom of Guru Tegh Bahadur who was cremated there. His Mann Ki Baat referred to the visit and showed footage of his praying there. The references are seen as an effort to signal that the government’s sensitivity towards the community and the farmers who have demanded repeal of the farm laws and refused to yield in negotiations with the Centre so far. They are set to renew discussions on December 29 having again set out tough demands such as repeal of the law and a legal guarantee for higher minimum support prices that are being currently offered. Modi also recalled Guru Gobind Singh’s mother Mata Gujari, who too had attained martyrdom with her grandchildren. The PM’s references to the 10th Guru, who militarised his community and had raised Khalsa warriors, also saw him emphasising December 27 be commemorated as “balidan (sacrifice) day” to honour the Sikh religious leader’s two sons. “In order to protect our millennia old culture, civilisation and traditions from the cruel misdemeanors of tyrants and tormentors, many a supreme sacrifice was made…….It is a day to remember them too. On this day, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, sahibzade Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were immured alive. The tyrants wanted sahibzade to renounce their faith; abandon the teachings of the great Guru tradition,” he said. Modi recalled his visit to Gurudwara Rakabganj, saying “About a week ago, it was the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji too. Here in Delhi, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Gurudwara Rakabganj to offer floral tributes and pay my obeisance...During this very month, inspired by Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji, many people sleep on the floor. People reminisce about the supreme sacrifices made by family members of Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji with immense reverence.” He said the martyrdom is a new beacon of learning for entire humanity. “This martyrdom served towards the great deed of protecting our civilisation. We are indebted to this martyrdom,” the PM said.

The Times of India

2020-12-28

India