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Recognizing the 400th Anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib – The saviour of Humanity

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Press Release: 3/08/2020 

The year 2021 will mark the 400th Parkash Purb of Sahib Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji. The entirety of Guru Sahib Ji’s life is an epic story of generosity, bravery, and selflessness. As a child, in an act of benevolence, he gave away his clothes and jewelry to a less fortunate child, living up to his birth name Tyag Mal. As a young man, he fought in the Battle of Kartarpur with such valor that he received the name Teg Bahadur (meaning brave in a battlefield). He was deeply devoted to Waheguru and frequently practiced meditation. The culmination of his temporal life, as well as his most renowned exploit, was sacrificing his life for the principles of religious freedom and liberty. Guru Teg Bahadur gave his life for the religious freedom of those of a different faith – the Kashmiri Hindus. In fact, he was protecting a faith whose rituals the Gurus, both preceding and succeeding, often criticized. Protecting religious and spiritual freedom was the Guru’s ultimate objective and extended beyond his own agreements or disagreements with the faith.

Guru Teg Bahadur, upon pleas from Kashmiri Hindus regarding persecution, surrendered himself to the Mughal emperor, Aurungzeb. Guru Teg Bahadur was given three options by the officials of Aurangzeb; accept Islam, perform a miracle, or be executed. Guru Sahib Ji rejected the first option, given his steadfast belief in Sikhi and his view that this would be a worldly deathblow to Sikh teachings. He rejected the second option to perform a miracle as it would compromise the spiritual integrity of Sikhi, resulting in spiritual death. Given the circumstances, he would have been performing that miracle to preserve his own life, at the behest of the emperor. Guru Ji accepted the last option, to sacrifice his physical body, which he believed, rightfully so, would result in the blossoming of Sikhi.

Guru Teg Bahadur was also a masterful and accomplished poet. The writings of Guru Tegh Bahadur are deep and evocative. He instructs Sikhs to purify themselves and live a life of dedication to the creator.  He preached that the creator removes all the hurdles and is the source of all strength for a devotee.

ਬਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਬੰਧਨ ਛੁਟੇ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਹੋਤ ਉਪਾਇ ॥  ਨਾਨਕ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਤੁਮਰੈ ਹਾਥ ਮੈ ਤੁਮ ਹੀ ਹੋਤ ਸਹਾਇ ॥੫੪॥
‘The Strength has arrived; the bonds are snapped asunder. All efforts are successful!  Says Nanak, ‘All is in your hand, Lord.  You ever support your devotees.’ The Saloks of Guru Teg Bahadur were uttered while Guru Sahib Ji willingly presented himself to the tyrannical and oppressive Mughal regime, displaying his resolve for religious freedom. These Saloks, in the words of Fauja Singh and Gurbachan Singh Talib “leave the human heart bathed in tears of emotion, which bring about enlightenment and awakening of the soul from the slumber of involvement with worldliness.”

To recognize Guru Teg Bahadur’s legacy, the World Sikh Parliament is preparing a year-long celebration of the 400th anniversary worldwide. As a first step, the World Sikh Parliament is proud to release a dedicated logo for the 400th anniversary.   

Issued By
Manpreet Singh & Hardyal Singh
General Secretaries World Sikh Parliament

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The Sikh Parliament Stands In Solidarity With Sikh Medical Professionals Serving In The Frontlines During The Covid-19 Crises. URGES TO NOT FALL PREY TO PERSONAL DECISIONS

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Toronto, Canada, 19th May 2020: Two Sikh doctors in Quebec by the names of Dr. Saluja chooses to give up their faith over their profession.  The Saluja brothers took a personal decision to cut their beards to fit the masks over their faces. This action has raised questions on the religious rights of practicing Sikhs and other religious minorities.   To describe this as a religious sacrifice during the Covid-19 crisis raises serious challenges for Sikhs around the world and sets an incorrect precedent.

Practicing Sikhs must wear 5 articles of faith of which one is to keep uncut hair.   A clarification is necessary from the Saluja brothers as this should not be considered a religious sacrifice but a personal decision. Asking a Sikh to cut his/her hair is extremely offensive and is a violation of their fundamental right to practice their faith.  Sikhs in the healthcare field can safely perform their duties with the right PPE equipment and not having to compromise their faith. The specialized equipment such as CAPR/PAPR can work with existing masks to ensure a proper seal around their face and to perform their duties.
Sikhs in the military and medical field have come up with a solution to create an airtight seal for the N95 mask with a full beard and using the N95 mask in the field.

https://youtu.be/qmf2Ry8stUo?t=2987

There are many practicing Sikh doctors using PPE equipment such as PAPR/CAPR while serving in the frontlines of the Covid-19 crises. Where required Sikh doctors should ask their serving medical hospitals to provide PAPR/CAPR devices during such a crisis.  Giving up on your faith is non-negotiable and should make the Khalsa persist to find alternatives in today’s times of available modern medical equipment and technology advances.

World Sikh Parliament Canada region member Chamkaur Singh said, “Sikhs in history have not given up their faith but have stood up to the challenges. No one should have to choose between their faith and profession.”

The Human Rights Council member, Sukhwant Singh said, “Human Right values are a god-gifted right for everyone.  If you face an issue that challenges your faith, reach out to us for assistance, our legal team that works in coordination with other Advocacy groups will assist”

World Sikh Parliament appeals to all Sikh medical professionals and those in the front-lines to explore additional alternatives and where difficulty arises please reach out to us for assistance at 289-474-5446 [email protected]

Issued by General Secretaries:-
Manpreet Singh
Hardyal Singh