AMRITSAR: In view of the world-class religious celebrations being organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to mark the 350th centenary of the martyrdom of the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, today, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami held a special meeting with prominent leaders of the Hindu community of Jammu and Kashmir and representatives of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
This meeting was held with the aim of involving the Hindu community of Jammu and Kashmir in the centenary celebrations, in which the Hindu leaders who attended assured full support for the Nagar Kirtan and also to be present during the centenary celebrations.
On this occasion, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the mention of Kashmiri Pandits holds an important place in Sikh history. When Kashmiri Pandits approached Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib to protect their religious rights during the oppressive era of the Mughals, Guru Sahib resolved to sacrifice himself for their religious freedom.
He said that to further strengthen this historical bond, the SGPC is organizing a special Nagar Kirtan from Gurdwara Sahib Matan, Kashmir on November 15, which will start from Kashmir and reach Sri Anandpur Sahib through various states. This Nagar Kirtan from Kashmir will be important for the participation of Kashmiri Pandits and Hindu community in the main centenary celebrations being held at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Advocate Dhami said that the martyrdom of the ninth Guru had created an example of India's shared culture and religious harmony. It is the duty of every human being to convey this spiritual message to the world today. He said that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is organizing events dedicated to the martyrdom centenary in the country and abroad, through which the message of the concept of Guru Sahib's martyrdom is being conveyed at the global level.
During the meeting, Mr. Rajesh Gupta addressed on behalf of the Hindu leaders of Kashmir. He said that the sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib inspired the people to protect their religion, culture and self-esteem.