350th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

Date: 18 November 2025

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib – Shristi Di Chadar ( A Shield of Humanity ) Honoured in the Chambers of the United Kingdom Parliament

 

A Fitting Tribute by the Supreme Sikh Council UK to the Ultimate Sacrifice of Shiri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.

London, 18 November 2025 — On the evening of 17 November 2025, the Thatcher Room in the Portcullis House of the UK Parliament was filled to capacity with dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the public as the Supreme Sikh Council UK (SSC UK) paid solemn and historic tribute to Shiri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, whose martyrdom in 1675 stands as a timeless beacon of religious freedom and moral courage.

 

The gathering began with deep reverence, as Bhai Seva Singh Lalli led the congregation in the sacred recitation of the Mool Mantar five times, followed by five resonant remembrances of Waheguru Ji, setting a spiritual tone that anchored the entire evening in devotion and mindfulness.

Chaired by Rt Honourable Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi MP, the event brought together cross-party MPs, faith leaders, and members of the Sikh community to reflect on the life, unwavering conviction, and profound legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib — the Saint-Soldier who gave his life to defend the right of all people to practice their faith freely

 

Speeches echoed the Guru’s humility, integrity, and fearless commitment to justice. One powerful moment recalled his response to the Mughal Emperor’s demand for miracles: “The miracle you will witness is that no power on Earth can force a soul to abandon its conscience.” His martyrdom was not merely an act of personal sacrifice, but a universal declaration: Freedom is not the absence of power — it is the presence of conscience.

 

The meeting was deeply moved by the heartfelt addresses of Bhai Surinder Singh Jandu, Secretary General of SSC UK, and Bhai Chander Shekhar Singh Guru, Convenor of the Board of Jathedars, whose insights illuminated the timeless relevance of the Guru’s teachings to contemporary struggles for human dignity and pluralism.

 

Following Bhai Surinder Singh Jandu’s speech, a heartfelt Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr Daljit Singh Virk, who passionately appealed to the Rt Honourable Members of Parliament to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to secure official recognition of 24 November as a National Day Supreme Sikh Council UK (SSC UK) admin@supremesikhcounciluk.org of Observance in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. He reminded the House that this is not merely a Sikh cause, but a universal affirmation of the right to conscience — a principle foundational to British democracy and global human rights.

 

In a landmark moment, the Supreme Sikh Council UK officially launched a comprehensive, beautifully produced booklet chronicling the life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Titled “Shristi Di Chadar: The 350 th Anniversary of Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji”, the booklet serves as an authoritative educational resource for schools, community centres, and policymakers — detailing the historical context of his martyrdom, his unwavering defence of religious freedom, and his enduring legacy. Copies were distributed to all attending MPs and dignitaries, with plans for wider national dissemination.

 

The crowning moment of the evening was the unanimous passage of a historic resolution, formally proposed by Bhai Baldev Singh Bains and seconded by Bhai Dilbag Singh Bola, Administration Team of SSC UK, calling upon the UK Government to officially recognise 24 November — the anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom — as a “National Day of Observance in honour of His sacrifice for Human Rights and Religious Liberty.” Copies of the resolution were presented to attending MPs as a call to action.

 

In his closing remarks, Bhai Baldev Singh Bains urged the assembly: “Let this not end here. We must carry this message to the United Nations — until the world recognises this sacrifice as a global symbol of freedom.” He pledged his full support to ensure this vision becomes a reality.

 

The meeting was particularly impressed by the speech of Rt Honourable Ruth Cadbury MP for Brentford and Hounslow, who commended the clarity and accessibility of the single-page infographic titled Why November 24 Matters, calling it a model of effective public education on faith and freedom. She stressed the urgent need for accurate, respectful information about all community faiths in public life and expressed her strong support for the resolution before the House.

 

The event was also graced by the presence and support of the following Members of Parliament: Gurinder Singh Josan MP, Jasvir Singh Athwal MP, Taiwo Owatemi MP, Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Bayo Alaba MP, Andy Slaughter MP, Kate Osamor MP, Florence Eshalomi MP, Tulip Siddiq MP

 

The Supreme Sikh Council UK extends its deepest gratitude to Rt Honourable Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi MP for his visionary leadership in making this landmark event possible. We are profoundly grateful to Panjab Restaurant for their selfless Nishkam Seva in providing refreshments, and to every member (whose name and seva is known to Waheguru ji) of the public who took time from their busy lives to stand with us in remembrance.

 

This gathering was more than a commemoration — it was a reaffirmation of values that transcend religion, culture, and nation. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s legacy lives on — not only in our prayers, but in our actions to protect the right to believe.