SGPC Urges UN to Declare Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day as Global Rights Day

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The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a prominent Sikh religious organization in India, has formally urged the United Nations to recognize the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur as International Human Rights Day. The call, made ahead of the 350th anniversary of the Guru’s sacrifice, underscores a broader push to honor the historical significance of his stand for religious liberty and fundamental freedoms.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is revered for his unwavering defense of religious rights, particularly his resistance to forced conversions during the Mughal era. His execution in 1675 for protecting the rights of Hindus to practice their faith is viewed by many as one of the earliest and most courageous acts of civil resistance for the cause of human rights. The SGPC’s campaign seeks to position this moment in global conscience, promoting awareness of the Guru’s sacrifice as emblematic of universal human values.

During a recent virtual conference chaired by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, the committee reaffirmed its intent to petition the United Nations for international recognition of November 25 as a day to honor the defense of religious freedom. The SGPC also renewed its call to the Indian government to declare the date a national holiday. The meeting included participation from international advisors who endorsed the initiative, recognizing the enduring relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy in today’s world.

The SGPC emphasized that recognizing the martyrdom day globally would not only pay tribute to the Guru’s sacrifice but also spotlight the broader principle of resisting religious persecution, an issue still relevant across many parts of the globe. As part of its awareness efforts, the SGPC is also planning to expand educational and outreach initiatives that explain the historical context of the Guru’s stand and its importance in safeguarding civil liberties.

The discussion also included concerns over Recent concerns have been raised about religious protocol being overlooked during state-sponsored events. The SGPC expressed disappointment in how religious sentiments were disregarded and called for increased sensitivity from officials when organizing public functions that involve religious representations.

In preparation for the 350th anniversary, the SGPC announced plans to collaborate with religious leaders from other communities, aiming to foster a spirit of unity and interfaith respect. These efforts are part of a broader mission to promote mutual understanding and reinforce the values that Guru Tegh Bahadur stood for: freedom of belief, dignity of conscience, and the courage to stand against tyranny.

This initiative by the SGPC reflects a deeply rooted commitment to ensuring that acts of moral courage and selfless service are honored appropriately. It reinforces the principle that the defense of basic rights, regardless of the time or place, remains a universal and timeless cause worthy of international recognition.