Special Story; Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Shaheedi Diwas or Martyrdom Day, is observed every year on November 24 to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru. He is remembered as a brave leader who sacrificed his life to protect others’ freedom and beliefs.

In the 1600s, during the rule of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, many people were forced to change their religion to Islam. The Kashmiri Pundits, a group of Hindus, were being treated unfairly and were afraid of losing their faith. They went to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for help. The Guru, known for his courage and kindness, decided to stand up for their rights.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji told Aurangzeb that everyone should have the freedom to follow their religion. However, Aurangzeb did not agree. The Guru was arrested and asked to give up his beliefs. But Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji stayed strong and refused to bow down. To set an example of bravery and truth, he gave up his life in Delhi on November 24, 1675.

This sacrifice taught an important lesson: everyone should have the right to follow their religion and live freely. Today, people across the world remember Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Shaheedi Diwas as a symbol of courage, selflessness, and standing up for what is right. His teachings inspire us to respect others’ beliefs and fight against injustice.

Let us honour his memory by practicing kindness, standing up for justice, and respecting everyone’s freedom.

By: Aadvik Singh

Class IV

Apeejay School, Nerul