On
24 November 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi one of the most extreme event occurred
that made a deep impact on the future course of Sikhism, which is the religion
of the Sikhs. The ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur performed the supreme sacrifice for the protection of
many humans. The basic motif was to protect the rights to practice his or her
religion without any interference. This may not matter to anyone, people may
say that it was so small and it has no relevance nowadays, but in 1675, when
Mughals were converting Hindus into Muslims. That time Guru Tegh Bahadur stood
for the rights and protection of so many Hindus. Before him, many thousands
killed for refusing to change into a Muslim.
It
is really, difficult to give one’s life for the sake of other person. People
may say that they know many people who have sacrificed their lives for the
society, but that was not as big as the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Ji
not only protected the right of Sikh people, but also the rights of non-Sikhs,
especially Kashmiri Pandits. Kashmiri Pandits were those scholars, who threatened
with the conversion to Islam under the terrorism of Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb not
only converted a number of non-Muslim, but also conducted a large-scale
demolition of the religious places of non-Muslims. He slaughtered a number of
people, just because they did not accept the demand of Aurangzeb. A number of
Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Tegh Bahadur, so that he can provide
protection to them. This kind of sacrifice was not record in the history of human
life before. Guru Ji made a firm decision that changed the moral commitment
level, dedication and sacrifice offered by the devotee of God. The Guru made a
tough judgment to risk down his life, to protect the rights of the Hindus so
that they can follow their religion without any stress.
Aurangzeb
and his army humiliated Guru Ji so much. However, he did not give up his
values. He protected his principles and rights of Hindus until his last breath.
On 24 November 1675, after so much humiliation and cruelty, Guru Ji was
martyred. He had to sit on a warm “Tava” and, then his head was, beheaded in
broad daylight in the middle of Chandni Chowk. Today, that place in Chandni
Chowk, known as Gurudwara Sis Ganj in Delhi. His sacrifice is a major and a prime
example of Sikh principles. This sacrifice roused the Hindus from their
submissive silence and gave them the strength to know the power of self-respect
and sacrifice.
He also termed as “Hind-di-Chadar” or the
shield of India.
I
respect Guru Ji sincerely; it was he, who protected Hindus at the time of need.
We have to learn from the effort of Guru Ji, to protect our society and
motherland. The true meaning of selflessness can be, learned from his life at
any time.
