Modi invokes Guru, Krishna, says nation marching ahead with strength, courage

Addressing a congregation at Jyotisar on the occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur on Tuesday, PM Narendra Modi said inspired by the teachings of the Guru, the country was moving ahead with strength, courage and clarity.

Earlier, the PM visited the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra and inaugurated Panchjanya Memorial—the sacred conch of Lord Krishna installed at Jyotisar. In the evening, Modi performed a 'maha aarti' at the Brahma Sarovar on the occasion of the International Gita Mahotsav.

During his address, the PM said, "Guru Sahib taught us that we should neither frighten anyone nor live in fear of anyone. This fearlessness strengthens society and the nation, and today, India too follows this principle."

The PM said on this very soil, Lord Krishna declared the protection of truth and justice to be the highest duty, and Guru Tegh Bahadur considered the protection of truth, justice, and faith as his dharma, which he upheld even at the cost of his life.

“While India desires peace, it never compromises on its security—Operation Sindoor being the greatest example. The world has seen that 'New India' neither fears nor stops nor bows before terrorism. Today’s India is moving forward with full strength, courage, and clarity,” he stated.

Expressing concern over drug abuse in the country, Modi said, “On this important occasion, I want to raise another vital related to society and the youth, which was also a matter of concern for Guru Sahib—the issue of addiction and drugs. The government is making every effort to eradicate the problem, but it is also a battle for society and families. At such a time, the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur serve both as an inspiration and a solution. If society, families, and the youth together wage a decisive battle against addiction, this problem can be eradicated.”

Talking about the remarkable confluence of the country's heritage, the PM said, "In the morning, I was in Ayodhya—the city of the Ramayana—and now I am in Kurukshetra, the city of the Gita.”

Reminiscing about a coincidence, Modi said on November 9, 2019, when the Supreme Court delivered the Ram Mandir verdict, he was at Dera Baba Nanak for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor. "I was praying for the clearing of the path for the construction of the temple, and for the fulfilment of the aspirations of crores of Ram devotees," he said.

The prayers of all were answered as the verdict in favour of the temple was delivered on the same day, he said, adding that now, when the "dharma dhwaja" had been established in Ayodhya, he had once again received the opportunity to seek the blessings of the Sikh sangat.

On the occasion, CM Nayab Singh Saini also highlighted the initiatives taken by the state government to promote the teachings of the Gurus. “Taking inspiration from the PM's vision of promoting Kurukshetra at the global level, the state government is celebrating the International Gita Mahotsav,” he stated.