Jammu, December 26, 2025: On the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, paid rich tributes to the Sahibzades, Mata Gujri Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, remembering their unparalleled bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Addressing a Vishesh Shaheedi Samagam titled “Safar-E-Shahadat”, organised by the All Jammu Kashmir Sikh Coordination Committee at Gurdwara Digiana Ashram, the Lieutenant Governor said that the lives and teachings of the Sahibzades, Mata Gujri Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji continue to inspire citizens across the nation.
“The supreme sacrifice of our Sikh Gurus inspires all of us to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation. It should be our sincere endeavour to build a prosperous country that is united and strong in its diversity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He remarked that the Sikh tradition, deeply rooted in devotion, valour and sacrifice, truly embodies the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. He added that the path of righteousness laid down by the Sikh Gurus forms a strong foundation for India’s inclusive and holistic development, and their legacy continues to empower those engaged in nation-building.
Highlighting initiatives taken under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor said that historic steps have been undertaken to honour the legacy of Sikh Gurus and to preserve and promote Sikh heritage. He noted that justice was ensured to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, FCRA approval was granted to Sri Harmandir Sahib, and major initiatives such as the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, rejuvenation of the Jallianwala Bagh memorial, and promotion of academic research on the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji have strengthened the message of universal brotherhood.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the Sikh community’s significant contribution to nation-building and its continued efforts to eradicate social discrimination. He called upon citizens to honour the sacrifices of the revered Sikh Gurus by building a society based on unity, harmony and progress.
“There is a new dynamism in our country. Let us resolve today to stand together and remain firm in our determination to build a Viksit Bharat of our dreams,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also remembered the martyrdom of Baba Moti Ram Mehra and his family, describing their sacrifice as a shining example of human spirit, devotion and loyalty.
Members of the All Jammu Kashmir Sikh Coordination Committee expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for addressing long-pending demands of the Sikh community. Chairman S. Ajit Singh submitted a memorandum seeking renaming of Veer Baal Diwas as “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas”, which the Lieutenant Governor assured would be forwarded to the Government of India.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also felicitated a newly married Sikh couple whose marriage was registered under the Anand Marriage Act in the Union Territory.
Mahant Manjeet Singh, S. Ajit Singh, members of the Sikh Coordination Committee and prominent members of the Sikh community were present. Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, MLA RS Pura Jammu South; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, along with senior police and civil administration officers, also attended the event.
