On September 20, 2025, the ICAR Convention Centre at Pusa Campus in New Delhi became the site of a remarkable gathering: an interfaith conference held to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The event, titled Sarv Dharam Sammelan, drew together a diverse array of spiritual leaders and dignitaries, each representing different faiths and perspectives. Their unified presence underscored both the historical significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice and the ongoing importance of interreligious dialogue in contemporary India.
The conference was marked by the participation of some of the country’s most prominent spiritual voices. Among those who addressed the gathering were Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Shri Chidanand Saraswati, Acharya Lokesh, Goswami Ji, Bhikku Sanghsena, Haji Syed Salman Chishtyi, Rabbi Ezeikel Issac Ji, Rajyogi Binny Sareen Ji, Anil Joseph, and Giani Raghbir Singh. Each speaker brought unique insights from their respective traditions, offering reflections not just on the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur, but also on the broader themes of tolerance, unity, and the need for mutual respect among different communities.
Presiding over the proceedings were guest of honours Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Kapil Mishra, both cabinet ministers in the Delhi government. Their presence lent official weight to the event, highlighting how Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom continues to resonate far beyond religious circles, touching the political and civic life of the nation. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, which played a key role in organizing the conference, also took the opportunity to honour individuals who have contributed to the cause of interfaith harmony.
One such individual was Ravinder Pandita, President of the All India Kashmiri Samaj. As the sole speaker from Jammu and Kashmir, Pandita’s presence was particularly poignant. In his address, he recalled the historical context of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice, emphasizing its enduring relevance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. According to reports from both KNS and local Delhi outlets, Pandita stated, “We owe a lot to Guru Sahib, saviour of Kashmiri Pandits during Aurangzeb’s rule.” His words struck a chord with many in attendance, serving as a reminder of the Guru’s pivotal role in defending religious freedom during one of the most turbulent periods in Indian history.
Pandita’s remarks were not just a reflection on the past, but also a call to action for the present. By invoking the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s ultimate sacrifice—his willingness to lay down his life to protect the rights of others—Pandita underscored the importance of standing up for justice and compassion in today’s world. His contribution to interfaith dialogue was recognized during the event, as he was felicitated by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee in front of the assembled dignitaries and attendees.
The significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom cannot be overstated. Born in 1621, Guru Tegh Bahadur became the ninth Sikh Guru and is remembered as a champion of religious pluralism. In 1675, he was executed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and for standing up against the forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits. This act of defiance, carried out at great personal cost, has long been celebrated as a defining moment in the history of Sikhism and a testament to the power of conscience and conviction.
According to the BBC and other historical accounts, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution at Chandni Chowk in Delhi sent shockwaves across the subcontinent. His steadfastness in the face of tyranny inspired generations of Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike, and his legacy continues to inform debates about religious freedom, minority rights, and the responsibilities of leadership. At the Sarv Dharam Sammelan, speakers from different faiths echoed these themes, drawing parallels between the challenges of the past and those faced by India’s diverse communities today.
“Guru Tegh Bahadur’s message is not just for Sikhs, but for all humanity,” remarked one of the spiritual leaders, as reported by local media. “He taught us that true courage lies in protecting the weak and upholding the dignity of every individual, regardless of their faith.” This sentiment was reflected in the atmosphere of the conference, where participants from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Jewish backgrounds came together to celebrate shared values and chart a path forward.
The choice of New Delhi as the venue for the conference was itself symbolic. As the capital of India and a city with deep historical ties to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s story, Delhi provided a fitting backdrop for discussions about religious coexistence and national identity. The ICAR Convention Centre, typically a hub for scientific and agricultural gatherings, was transformed for the day into a space for spiritual reflection and dialogue—a testament to the adaptability and inclusiveness of Indian public life.
For many attendees, the highlight of the event was the sense of solidarity that emerged from the diversity of voices on display. The presence of figures like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Rabbi Ezeikel Issac Ji underscored the idea that dialogue across religious boundaries is not only possible, but essential. In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, the Sarv Dharam Sammelan served as a reminder of the power of coming together to honor shared ideals.
The conference also drew attention to the ongoing struggles faced by minority communities in India and beyond. By recalling the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits during Aurangzeb’s reign, speakers highlighted the need for continued vigilance against intolerance and persecution. The felicitation of Ravinder Pandita was a gesture of gratitude not just for his personal efforts, but for the broader movement to foster interfaith understanding and protect vulnerable groups.
In the end, the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was commemorated not just as a historical milestone, but as a living tradition—one that calls on individuals and communities to transcend narrow identities and work toward a more just and compassionate society. As the conference concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the example of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the spirit of unity that animated the day’s proceedings.
The events at the ICAR Convention Centre on September 20, 2025, offered a vivid illustration of how the lessons of history can inform the challenges of the present. Through dialogue, reflection, and mutual respect, the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur continues to light the way for those seeking peace and understanding in a complex and ever-changing world.
