Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing the Veer Bal Diwas (Sahibzada Diwas) event on Thursday, paid glowing tributes to the Sikh community’s indomitable spirit and immense contributions to the nation’s history. Speaking at the main event held at his residence, the chief minister extolled the resilience and sacrifices of Sikh Gurus and their followers, who have inspired generations through their unwavering commitment to faith and country.

“The Sikh community has a glorious history, yet the plight of Sikhs in Kabul, Bangladesh, and Pakistan reminds us of the sacrifices made by Sikh Gurus to uphold justice and protect their faith,” Adityanath remarked. He emphasized that the ideals of the Sikh Gurus continue to guide and energize society, adding that their blessings provide the moral strength to overcome challenges.

Honoring Sikh Contributions
Chief Minister Adityanath underscored the unparalleled sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh’s family. “On this day, the Sahibzaades—Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh—were walled alive by Wazir Khan. Guru Gobind Singh’s elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, attained martyrdom at the Battle of Chamkaur. Maa Gujri endured unimaginable pain but remained steadfast in her faith and duty,” he recounted.

He lauded the bravery of the four Sahibzaades, noting, “Their sacrifices laid a solid foundation for safeguarding the nation and its values. Their legacy is not only a matter of pride for the Sikh community but also for the entire nation.”

A Tradition of Resilience and Service
Reflecting on Sikhism’s origins, the chief minister stated, “Guru Nanak Dev was the first to stand against Babar’s atrocities. Guru Arjun Dev’s martyrdom in Lahore upheld justice against Jahangir’s tyranny. Guru Teg Bahadur sacrificed his life to ensure Kashmir remained an integral part of India.”

Adityanath highlighted the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur and called for concerted efforts to honor his legacy. He proposed the beautification of gurudwaras linked to Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh in Lucknow, urging the municipal corporation, state government, and development authorities to collaborate on a comprehensive plan.

Preserving Heritage and Unity
In a heartfelt appeal, the chief minister called for vigilance against forces attempting to undermine Sikh youth and create discord between Sikhs and Hindus. “Sikhs and Hindus complement each other. We must steer clear of those who seek to divide us. May Guru Maharaj grant us the wisdom to distinguish between friends and foes,” he said.

He also reflected on past events, recalling the shabad-kirtan programme held at his residence during the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019. The annual observance of Veer Bal Diwas, which began in 2020, has since grown into a national tradition, celebrating the resilience and sacrifice of Sikh martyrs.

A Historical Gathering
The event saw the commencement of 11,000 sahaj paaths and the release of a book on the teachings of Guru Teg Bahadur. Adityanath assured financial support for the rehabilitation of shopkeepers displaced by development projects and reiterated his commitment to enhancing sites of historical significance associated with Sikh heritage.

“The responsibility of preserving and promoting this legacy must not be passed around. Together, we can ensure these sacred sites reflect their historical and spiritual importance,” he concluded.

With an emphasis on unity, resilience, and heritage, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s address served as a tribute to the Sikh community’s enduring contributions to India’s cultural and spiritual fabric.

In a powerful message delivered at the extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Belagavi on Thursday, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief Sonia Gandhi highlighted the enduring inspiration drawn from Mahatma Gandhi while issuing a clarion call to protect his legacy against threats posed by ideologies in power today.

The meeting, titled Nava Satyagraha Baithak, marks the centenary of the historic 39th session of the Indian National Congress, where Mahatma Gandhi assumed the role of Congress president, a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence.

Unable to attend the event in person, Sonia Gandhi’s message was read out to the gathering of party leaders and members. She described the Congress session held in Belagavi a century ago as a “transformational milestone in our country’s history” and urged all members to recommit themselves to the Gandhian values of truth, non-violence, and justice.

A Legacy Under Assault
Sonia Gandhi expressed deep concern over what she described as a systematic assault on Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy by those currently in power in New Delhi and the ideologies that shaped them.

“It was he who moulded and guided the remarkable galaxy of leaders of that generation. His legacy is under threat from those in power in Delhi and the ideologies and institutions that have nurtured them,” her statement read.

In a sharp critique of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates, Sonia Gandhi accused these forces of creating a divisive and “toxic atmosphere” that ultimately led to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. “These organisations never fought for our freedom. They opposed Mahatma Gandhi bitterly. They glorify his killers,” she alleged.

Call for a Renewed Fight
The CPP chairperson called on Congress members to rise to the challenge of confronting these forces with unwavering resolve. “It is now our sacred duty to renew our resolve to confront these forces with all the might at our command and with uncompromising determination,” she emphasized.

She also lamented the attacks on Gandhian institutions across the nation and reaffirmed the Congress Party’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and values.

Strengthening the Congress
Sonia Gandhi used the occasion to stress the need for introspection and the strengthening of party structures to meet current challenges. She called on leaders to embrace the party’s history of resilience and move forward with renewed purpose.

“Our great organization with such a glorious history has, time and again, demonstrated its resilience. Let us individually and collectively move forward from this meeting firm in our resolve to meet the many challenges our party faces with a renewed sense of urgency and a refreshed sense of purpose,” she urged.

A Historic Venue
The meeting held at Mahatma Gandhi Nagar in Belagavi resonates deeply with the party’s legacy. Reflecting on the significance of the venue, Sonia Gandhi noted, “The 39th session of the Indian National Congress was held exactly a hundred years ago at this very location. It is, therefore, only appropriate that you are assembled here today.”

As the Congress Party grapples with contemporary political challenges, Sonia Gandhi’s impassioned words serve as a rallying cry for members to uphold the enduring values of Mahatma Gandhi and carry forward the struggle for justice and unity in the face of adversity.