Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas 2025: PM Modi unveils commemorative stamp, coin, and coffee-table book in Jyotisar, Kurukshetra. Learn about Sikh heritage, interfaith harmony, and government initiatives.
PM Modi Unveils Stamp and Coin Honouring Guru Tegh Bahadur on 350th Martyrdom Anniversary
Commemorative Tribute by PM Modi
On 25 November 2025, Narendra Modi — the Prime Minister of India — led a national-level commemoration to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Diwas) of revered Sikh leader Guru Tegh Bahadur. The event took place at Jyotisar village in Kurukshetra, Haryana. As a mark of homage, the Prime Minister formally released a special commemorative postage stamp, a special coin, and a coffee-table book dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The function was organized by the Haryana government under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini (Chief Minister of Haryana), and witnessed attendance from thousands of devotees across Haryana and neighbouring states. The event was not only a traditional homage but also symbolised collective national respect and reverence for the sacrifices of the Sikh Guru.
Interfaith Harmony: Symbolism Through Gurbani Recital
A notable and deeply symbolic segment of the event was an interfaith recital of Gurbani (sacred Sikh hymns). Around 350 school students from a school in Patiala — representing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities — together participated in the kirtan (devotional singing). This collective recital embodied the message of unity, mutual respect, and religious harmony that Guru Tegh Bahadur stood for.
This interfaith dimension underlined the inclusive ethos of the event, going beyond community lines, showing respect not just within Sikh circles but to broader Indian pluralism.
PM’s Address: Honouring Sikh Heritage & National Legacy
In his address, PM Modi invoked the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur as “Hind Di Chadar” — literally “Shield of India” — underscoring his role as protector of faith and religious freedom during the Mughal era. He recalled how Guru Tegh Bahadur refused to convert under pressure and embraced martyrdom to defend the religious rights of persecuted communities.
He also praised the courage of Bhai Jaita (also referred to as Bhai Jeevan Singh), who risked his life and carried Guru Tegh Bahadur’s severed head to safety in Anandpur Sahib — an act exemplifying loyalty and sacrifice.
The Prime Minister further highlighted several government initiatives that reflect the central government’s ongoing commitment to honour Sikh heritage. These include expansion of heritage-preservation efforts such as the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, development of projects like the ropeway to Hemkund Sahib, and enhancement of cultural institutions like Virasat‑e‑Khalsa museum.
Associated Inaugurations: Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Apart from the commemorative releases, the event at Jyotisar saw the inauguration of the Panchajanya Memorial at the Mahabharata Experience Centre — a golden-conch structure symbolising Lord Krishna’s divine conch (Panchajanya). This further strengthened the cultural and spiritual ambience of the area.
PM Modi also performed a maha-aarti at the sacred Brahma Sarovar, as part of the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav 2025 held in Kurukshetra. He visited the Mahabharata-themed galleries, interacted with scholars, signalling a blend of Sikh tribute and pan-Indian cultural tradition.
Why This News Matters for Exam Aspirants
Significance for Culture, History and National Ethos
This event is more than just a ceremonial tribute: it reflects India’s commitment to honoring its pluralistic heritage and freedom of belief. For aspirants in civil services, police, defence, or administration, such developments underscore the importance of communal harmony, religious tolerance, and respect for historical sacrifices — values critical in public service medicine.
Moreover, seeing a national leader commemorating a regional-religious figure through stamps, coins, and cultural initiatives demonstrates how the state recognizes contributions from all communities. This is essential for exams where questions often touch upon secularism, national identity, and cultural heritage.
Relevance for Current Affairs, Governance and Policy
For competitive exams (UPSC, state PSC, SSC, banking, etc.), this news feeds into the Current Affairs/Polity/Culture sections. It shows how government policies and initiatives — heritage conservation, religious harmony promotion, cultural tourism (corridors, museums) — intersect with broader governance objectives. It underlines how soft-power symbols (stamps, coins) are used to reinforce national unity.
It also reflects the centre and state collaboration (Central Government + Haryana Government) — relevant for federalism and cooperative governance topics.
Lastly, it reiterates the idea of celebrating historical figures on national platforms — a recurring theme in exam questions about national integration, secularism, and cultural pluralism.
Historical Context: Who Was Guru Tegh Bahadur & Why 350 Years Later?
- Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was the ninth of the ten Gurus of Sikhism. He was revered not only as a religious leader but also as a defender of human rights and religious freedom. He stood up against forced conversions and persecution under Mughal rule, especially the despotic regime of Aurangzeb.
- In November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed (beheaded) in Delhi for refusing to convert to Islam, after he defended the rights of persecuted Hindus and other religious minorities. His martyrdom represented a fight for religious freedom and the right to practice one’s faith — making him a symbol of sacrifice and courage.
- Over centuries, his legacy has been celebrated by Sikhs and Indians across communities as a symbol of religious tolerance, moral courage, and protection of fundamental rights. His title “Hind Di Chadar” (Shield of India) underscores that legacy.
- The 350th martyrdom anniversary is a significant historical milestone, prompting commemorative events, as the passage of more than three and a half centuries reiterates his enduring importance in India’s social and cultural memory.
This recent commemoration through stamps, coins, and national-level ceremonies reflects how modern India continues to honor those values — integrating historical reverence with contemporary governance and cultural preservation.
Key Takeaways from This News
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 25 Nov 2025 marked the 350th martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Diwas) of Guru Tegh Bahadur. |
| 2 | PM Narendra Modi released a commemorative postage stamp, a special coin, and a coffee-table book in honour of the Guru. |
| 3 | The commemoration event was held at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, Haryana, organised by the Haryana government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. |
| 4 | A 350-student interfaith Gurbani recital (with Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian students) underscored the message of unity, religious tolerance and communal harmony |
| 5 | The event also included inauguration of cultural and spiritual projects — the Panchajanya Memorial, visit to Mahabharata Experience Centre, and maha-aarti at Brahma Sarovar — blending Sikh tribute with pan-Indian cultural tradition. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Guru Tegh Bahadur?
Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru (1621–1675) known for defending religious freedom and human rights. He was martyred for resisting forced conversions under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
2. What is the significance of 25 November 2025 in relation to Guru Tegh Bahadur?
It marks the 350th martyrdom anniversary (Shaheedi Diwas) of Guru Tegh Bahadur, commemorated nationally with stamps, coins, and cultural events.
3. Where was the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur commemorated?
The national-level commemoration was held at Jyotisar village in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
4. What items were released by PM Modi to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur?
PM Modi released a commemorative postage stamp, a special coin, and a coffee-table book dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
5. What was the interfaith aspect of the event?
Around 350 students from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities recited Gurbani together to highlight religious harmony and unity.
6. What does the title “Hind Di Chadar” refer to?
It means “Shield of India,” a title given to Guru Tegh Bahadur for protecting the religious rights of persecuted communities.
7. Who was Bhai Jaita and what was his contribution?
Bhai Jaita, also called Bhai Jeevan Singh, risked his life to carry Guru Tegh Bahadur’s severed head to Anandpur Sahib after his martyrdom, exemplifying loyalty and sacrifice.
8. Which government projects were highlighted during the event?
Projects such as the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Hemkund Sahib ropeway, and Virasat-e-Khalsa museum were mentioned as government initiatives preserving Sikh heritage.
9. Why is this news important for exam aspirants?
It covers religious freedom, national heritage, interfaith harmony, and government initiatives — all relevant for UPSC, state PSC, banking, railways, defence, and teaching exams.
10. What cultural activities accompanied the commemoration?
The event included the inauguration of the Panchajanya Memorial, maha-aarti at Brahma Sarovar, and visits to Mahabharata Experience Centre highlighting pan-Indian cultural integration.
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