Global Sikh Council urges SGPC to launch international programs for Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom anniversary

AMRITSAR: UK based Global Sikh Council (GSC) has called upon the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to spearhead comprehensive and globally impactful programmes to observe the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the ninth Nanak, revered as the "Protector of Humanity" (Dharm di Chadar).GSC President Kanwaljit Kaur informed on Thursday that she has written a detailed letter to SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and presented eleven key proposals aimed at taking the anniversary to an international level to amplify Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice for human rights, religious freedom, and dignity."By engaging global leaders, institutions, and the worldwide Sangat in understanding the profound depth of this sacrifice, particularly the torture endured by His three disciples alongside him, we could resonate greater awareness about Gursikhi and Gurbani’s message to the world," she said.Giving more details, GSC Secretary Harjeet Singh Grewal said that GSC urged the SGPC to formally invite Presidents, Prime Ministers, Premiers, and their diplomatic representatives in India to participate in the main commemorative events in Punjab adding that GSC has also proposed to request these countries to release commemorative stamps, coins, or currency notes honouring Guru Sahib’s sacrifice, offering SGPC’s assistance in historical content and design.The GSC also proposed that the SGPC appeal to the Prime Minister of India for a commemorative stamp and coin, and to direct the Ministry of External Affairs to organise seminars, lectures, and Kirtan Darbars in Indian embassies worldwide. A formal proposal to the UN Secretary-General was also suggested to observe International Human Rights Day in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, highlighting Guru’s legacy as a defender of religious freedom and minority rights, said Harjeet.He further said that GSC proposed leveraging the SGPC's global network by initiating an annual international Gurmat awareness week during the martyrdom month, encouraging global participation in educational activities.Meanwhile, Kaur expressed GSC’s full cooperation and support to the SGPC in advancing these initiatives, believing their implementation would ensure the 350th commemoration becomes a global catalyst for reflecting on the sanctity of human rights and religious freedom as embodied by the Ninth Guru.