Amritsar August 7, 2025 – The Global Sikh Council (GSC) has called upon the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to spearhead a comprehensive globally impactful programs to observe the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Ninth Nanak, revered as the “Protector of Humanity” (Dharm di Chadar). In a detailed letter to SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, GSC President Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur has presented eleven key proposals designed to ensure the anniversary resonates internationally, amplifying Guru Sahib’s timeless sacrifice for human rights, religious freedom and dignity.
GSC stated that Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom was a watershed moment for human dignity. She emphasized that the GSC believes coordinated global efforts would prove crucial to bringing due international recognition to this supreme sacrifice and strengthening the Sikh Qaum’s image as protectors of liberty and justice. “By engaging global leaders, institutions and the worldwide Sangat in understanding the profound depth of this sacrifice,” the GSC President stated, “particularly the torture endured by His three Sikh disciples alongside Him, we could resonate greater awareness about Gursikhi and Gurbani’s message to the world against oppression.”
To suggest the proposals to SGPC, she informed that the GSC executive committee held an online meeting comprising Chairman Lord Indarjit Singh, Deputy Presidents Paramjit Singh Bedi USA and Ram Singh Rathore India, Secretary Harjeet Singh Grewal Chandigarh, Treasurer Harsaran Singh Puducherry and executive committee members Jagir Singh Malaysia, Satnam Singh Poonia UK, Gurdial Singh France, Kirandeep Kaur Sandhu Nepal and Harbir Pal Singh Bhatia Australia and Dr Karminder Singh Indonesia.
Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur urged the SGPC to formally invite Presidents, Prime Ministers, Premiers and their diplomatic representatives in India to participate in the main commemorative events in Punjab, emphasizing Guru Sahib’s role as a global symbol of human rights. She further proposed requesting these invited nations to consider releasing commemorative stamps, coins or currency notes honouring Guru Sahib’s sacrifice, with the SGPC and its foreign missions standing ready to provide historical and design assistance.
The GSC stressed the importance of education, proposing that the SGPC prepare and distribute a concise, well-researched book detailing Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s life, philosophy, the historic context of His martyrdom defending Kashmiri Pandits and the horrific sacrifices of His disciples Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji for global dignitaries. She also called for a formal appeal to the Prime Minister of India to issue a commemorative stamp and coin and to direct the Ministry of External Affairs to organize seminars, lectures, and Kirtan Darbars in Indian embassies worldwide.
Furthermore, the GSC urged the SGPC to request the Union Ministry of Education to direct universities and colleges to hold special seminars in November on Guru Sahib’s teachings and to appeal to school boards for classroom sessions for children. She also proposed formally requesting dedicated prime-time slots on All India Radio and Doordarshan for live Shabad Kirtan/Katha broadcasts accompanied by segments on Guru Sahib’s sacrifice.
A significant global proposal, the GSC President stated, is for the SGPC to write to the UN Secretary-General proposing that the forthcoming International Human Rights Day be observed in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, dedicating the day to minority rights and religious freedom, highlighting His sacrifice as the ultimate defense of “Freedom of Conscience and Religion” and requesting UN member states to reflect on His legacy.
The GSC also urged the SGPC to appeal to all Gurdwara management committees abroad to organize special religious programs focused intensely on Guru Sahib’s life and the martyrdom of His disciples. While affirming the sanctity of Langar, it was suggested that resources be channelled towards meaningful spiritual and educational programs about the martyrdom’s significance, alongside simple Langars.
The GSC proposed for leveraging the SGPC’s global network by initiating an annual international Gurmat awareness week during the martyrdom month encouraging global participation in educational activities, directing SGPC missions abroad and NRI committees to engage host governments and diaspora on key proposals and utilizing SGPC digital platforms to share the life sketch globally in multiple languages.
To create a lasting legacy, Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur stated the GSC recommends instituting an annual international award in Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s name, bestowed via Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, honouring global contributors to human rights and religious freedom. She also proposed creating an exclusive online interactive portal or App featuring comprehensive resources on Gurbani, Gurmat, Guru Sahib’s life, writings, historic sites and scholar testimonies for global Sikh youth and interfaith understanding.
The GSC expressed its full cooperation and support to the SGPC in advancing these initiatives, believing their implementation would ensure the 350th commemoration becomes a global catalyst for reflecting on the sanctity of human rights and religious freedom as embodied by the Ninth Guru.
Global Sikh Council proposes 11 suggestions to SGPC to observe martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji worldwide
