Sikh Gurus’ Legacy Reflects a Powerful Union of Faith and Courage, Says UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Veer Bal Diwas

Lucknow | December 26 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the history of the Sikh gurus stands as a shining example of devotion, courage, and sacrifice, describing it as a rare and inspiring blend of deep faith and unmatched valour. He made these remarks while addressing a religious gathering organised on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas in Lucknow. The chief minister was speaking at a kirtan samagam held at his official residence on Kalidas Marg to mark Veer Bal Diwas, which is observed every year on December 26. The event also commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, who laid down his life to protect faith and human values. Yogi Adityanath paid rich tribute to the Sikh gurus and their sacrifices, stating that their lives continue to guide the nation even today. He said that Mughal ruler Aurangzeb made a grave mistake by challenging Guru Tegh Bahadur, adding that while Aurangzeb’s name has faded from public memory, the Sikh gurus are remembered with gratitude by 140 crore Indians. “The history of the Sikh gurus in India is a story filled with the brilliance of devotion and strength,” the chief minister said, according to an official statement. He added that the sacrifices made by the gurus were not just for their community, but for the nation and the protection of faith and righteousness. Speaking about Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, Adityanath said he represented the highest form of devotion and worked tirelessly for humanity at a time when resources were limited. Despite hardships, Guru Nanak Dev showed how spiritual discipline and compassion could guide society towards truth and equality. He said Guru Nanak Dev also raised his voice against hypocrisy and injustice, leaving behind values that remain relevant even today. The chief minister also referred to the suffering faced by later Sikh gurus under Mughal rule. He said that despite the cruelty shown by Emperor Jahangir towards Guru Arjan Dev, and later attempts to suppress Sikh faith, the spiritual strength of the gurus could not be broken. According to him, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice stood as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a defence of religious freedom. Yogi Adityanath said Veer Bal Diwas gives the country an opportunity to remember and honour the courage of the four Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh — Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh. He said their martyrdom at a very young age continues to inspire generations and teaches the values of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. He added that remembering the Sahibzadas is not just about history, but about understanding the spirit of standing firm for truth and justice, even in the face of extreme hardship. Their sacrifice, he said, reflects the strength of India’s spiritual and cultural roots. The chief minister also shared a message on his official social media handle, writing “Jo Bole So Nihal! Sat Sri Akal!” He said that when a nation gives importance to its land, faith, and cultural values, it naturally moves forward on the path of progress. The history of the Sikh gurus, he said, is living proof of this truth. The event in Lucknow was attended by religious leaders, devotees, and officials, who participated in prayers and devotional singing to mark the occasion. Veer Bal Diwas, instituted to honour the courage of the Sahibzadas, is observed across the country with various programmes highlighting Sikh history and values. Concluding his address, Yogi Adityanath said the legacy of the Sikh gurus is not limited to the past. Their lives continue to inspire unity, courage, and devotion, reminding the nation that true strength lies in standing up for righteousness and humanity. Sikh Gurus’ Legacy Reflects a Powerful Union of Faith and Courage, Says UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Veer Bal Diwas Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the history of the Sikh gurus is a shining example of devotion, courage, and sacrifice, calling it a rare blend of spiritual strength and valour. He made these remarks while addressing a kirtan samagam organised on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas at his official residence on Kalidas Marg in Lucknow. Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year on December 26 to honour the courage and martyrdom of the four Sahibzadas — Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The event also marked the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru. Paying tribute to the Sikh gurus, Yogi Adityanath said their sacrifices were not just for their community, but for the nation and the protection of faith. He said Mughal ruler Aurangzeb made a serious mistake by challenging Guru Tegh Bahadur, adding that while Aurangzeb is largely forgotten today, the Sikh gurus are remembered with respect and gratitude by 140 crore Indians. The chief minister spoke about Guru Nanak Dev, saying he stood for the highest form of devotion and worked for humanity at a time when resources were limited. Despite hardships, Guru Nanak Dev showed the power of spiritual discipline and raised his voice against injustice and hypocrisy. Referring to the suffering faced by Sikh gurus under Mughal rule, Yogi Adityanath said that even brutal actions could not weaken their spiritual strength. The sacrifices of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur, he said, remain powerful symbols of standing firm for truth and religious freedom. He said Veer Bal Diwas gives the nation a chance to express gratitude to the Sahibzadas, whose bravery at a young age continues to inspire generations. Sharing a message on social media, he wrote, “Jo Bole So Nihal! Sat Sri Akal!” and said that a nation progresses when it respects its land, faith, and values.