350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Garhwal Post Bureau
Hyderabad, 30 Apr: The 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur, coinciding with the 127th birth anniversary of Babuji Maharaj and the 117th birth anniversary of Tukdoji Maharaj, was observed together at the largest meditation hall at the Heartfulness Headquarters in Kanha Shanti Vanam in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Heartfulness, the second day of the three-day event today witnessed the premises reverberate with melodious Shabad Kirtan and eliciting solidarity through group meditation. Over 30,000 people from across the country joined the celebrations, with more joining the event virtually from around the world to partake in the inspiring talks, exhibition, and a special film screening on the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and to reap the benefits of mass meditation.
Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind; Governor of Uttarakhand Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd); Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; the Secretary, Ministry of Culture – Vivek Aggarwal; and Minister of Tourism & Culture and Archaeology, Telangana, Jupally Krishna Rao were present at the event. They were also joined by Major Sunil Dutt Dwivedi, MLA, Fategarh; Arpit Dubey and Ishwar Acharya – JS, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga; Kashinath Samagadi – Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga; and Gurlad Singh Kahlon – Philanthropist, former Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee member. Dr Alankar Singh – the first and only recipient of Sangeet Academy’s prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Pursaskar for Gurbani Kirtan in 2010 – rendered mellifluous Shabad Kirtan accompanied by Sardar Narender Pal Singh on Tabla, Sardar Parminder Singh on Rubab, and Sardar Jagjit Singh on Swarmandal.
The shabad kirtan was followed by talks, an exhibition and a film screening on Guru Tegh Bahadur. A group meditation was led by Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Members of the Rashtrasant community also participated enthusiastically in the event.
Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind said on the occasion, “India is a land of great spiritual leaders who for aeons serve as the epitome of virtues. Fearlessness in defending human rights, righteousness, and religious freedom is a cornerstone of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings. While Babuji Maharaj taught us to persevere in spiritual practice to attain the highest station in life, this occasion also calls us to reflect on the teachings of Tukdoji Maharaj and his works on the emancipation of humanity. We are fortunate to be part of this Bhandara today to imbibe the teachings and spiritual energies of our great Masters.”
“This is a very auspicious occasion to draw the special blessings of our Masters through collective meditation and introspection. A great soul like Guru Tegh Bahadur is a harbinger of putting one’s life before anything else to fearlessly protect Dharma. Fearlessness is a quality that comes from rightful living because where there is Truth, there is no fear. Babuji Maharaj taught us simple living and constant remembrance of the Master as a refuge from deviating from the rightful path. Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj’s message of letting devotion to God become service to mankind continues to sum up the path to collective human evolution through conscious living,” added Daaji. “The purpose of the event is to bring people of all faiths together on one platform and imbibe the values and message of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Babuji Maharaj, while also reflecting the spirit of service and unity exemplified by Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj.”
