Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tribute to Sikh saints Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur in his monthly radio address Mann ki Baat, saying that the sacrifices by these greats helped keep our culture safe. "We remain indebted to these greats for their sacrifices and their spirit of compassion," PM said as he paid tributes to the Sikh saints, including sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
Addressing the nation through 72nd edition of his monthly radio programme, the Prime Minister said that it is a day to remember those who made a supreme sacrifice to protect our millennia-old culture, civilization and traditions from the cruel misdemeanours of tyrants and tormentors.
"On this day, two sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji, Sahibzade Zorawar Singh ji and Fateh Singh ji were bricked alive. The oppressor wanted the two sahibzade to give up their faith, the tradition of the great gurus but even at such a young age, our sahibzade showed exemplary courage and will power. While they were being bricked alive, bricks upon bricks were being laid.... deaths was staring down at them but even then they didn't flinch," PM Modi said in his final Mann ki Baat address of 2020. "The nation must not squander their sacrifices," he said.
PM Modi also spoke about his last week's visit to Sikh shrine Gurudwara Rakabganj in Delhi. "About a week back was the day of martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. I had the privilege to pay my obeisance to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji at Gurudwara Rakabganj in Delhi," he said.
"During this month, inspired by Guru Gobind Singh ji, many people sleep on the floor. People reverently remember the supreme sacrifice of the family of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. This martyrdom gave a new lesson to the entire humanity. This martyrdom did a great work of protecting our civilisation. We are indebted to this martyrdom," he said.
"This martyrdom served as a new beacon of learning for entire humanity; for the country. This martyrdom served towards the great deed of protecting our civilization. We are indebted to this martyrdom. Once again I bow to the martyrdom of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, Mata Gujari, Guru Gobind Singh ji and the four Sahibzade. Several such sacrifices have preserved the present fabric of India, keeping it intact," he said.
The PM visited the iconic Gurudwara Rakabganj at a time when his government is confronting huge anger among farmers, many of them from Punjab, who have been protesting against new laws on how and where their produce can be sold. The sermon was being recited in the background by the granthi or ceremonial reader in Punjabi.
With inputs from agencies
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