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FROM TOI PRINT EDITION
A life of valour and sacrifice: On his 400th birth anniversary we retrace Guru Tegh Bahadur’s dharmic path
April 30, 2021, 9:13 PM IST
The writer is General Secretary, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
In Indian history, Guru Shri Tegh Bahadur’s personality shines resplendent like a bright constellation. He was born in Amritsar to Guru Hargobindji and Nankiji on Krishna Panchami in the Baisakhi month. As per Nanakshahi calendar, today is Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 400th birth anniversary.
Guru Tegh Bahadurji was born into a tradition that challenged Mughals of Central Asia that had occupied vast tracts of Indian territory. He is a symbol of tenacity, sacrifice and his life is a wonderful example of physical and mental valour. In fact, Shri Tegh Bahadur’s life stands out as one of the greatest experiments in character-building. By reining in one’s negative instincts, even ordinary men can follow the path of dharma. Those who are trapped in the chakravyuha of blasphemy, avarice and pride cannot remain stable in crisis.