During the ongoing Karyakari Mandal Baithak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a statement was issued by Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale on October 31, 2025, marking the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which falls on November 24 this year.
The statement by Dattatreya Hosabale reads, “On the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Guru of the Sikh tradition, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, numerous programmes are being organised this year with reverence and devotion by various religious and social organisations, as well as by the entire Bharatiya society”.
“During that era of struggle, a large part of Bharat was suffering under the cruel tyranny of the foreign invader Aurangzeb. Across the entire nation, the eternal, faith-based culture and traditions of Bharat were being destroyed through forced conversions. It was during this time that the leading figures of Kashmiri society, under the leadership of Pandit Kriparam Datt Ji, came to seek guidance from Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji resolved to awaken the consciousness and determination of the people and decided to sacrifice his own life, thus challenging Aurangzeb’s brutal regime”, the statement reads.
“The fanatic and oppressive government arrested him and demanded that he either embrace Islam or accept death. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji chose the path of supreme sacrifice instead of bowing before tyranny. In an attempt to break the Guru’s spirit and resolve, the Mughal empire brutally executed his devoted disciples, Bhai Dayala (by boiling him in a cauldron of hot oil), Bhai Sati Das (by wrapping him in cotton soaked in oil and burning him alive), and Bhai Mati Das (by sawing him alive)”, it further reads.
“Thereafter, on Margashirsha Shukla 5, Samvat 1732 (1675), at Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji merged into the Divine Light for the protection of Dharma. His supreme martyrdom awakened a wave of self-sacrifice and struggle for the defence of religion, shaking the very foundations of the Mughal empire. The life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was dedicated to strengthening religious faith, freeing society from superstitions and social evils, and working for the welfare of all. He preached that a virtuous life is one free from joy and sorrow, praise and criticism, honour and dishonour, greed and attachment, lust and anger. In a society terrorised by Mughal oppression, his message “Bhai kahu ko det nahi, na bhai manat aan” (Fear none and frighten none) ignited the spirit of fearlessness and the resolve to protect Dharma”, the statement reads.
“To spread the teachings and the immortal message of self-sacrifice of this radiant star of Bharatiya tradition, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, among the masses, will be the truest tribute to him. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh calls upon all swayamsevaks and the entire society to remember the ideals and guidance of his life, to mould their own lives accordingly, and to participate with devotion in all programmes being organised this year”, the statement reads.
The Baithak is being attended by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, all six Sah-Sarkaryavahs, other Akhil Bharatiya Karyavibhag Pramukhs, and members of the Karyakarini (Executive Body). The meeting is also being attended by all the Prant Sanghchalaks, Prant Karyavahs, Pracharaks, Sah-Prant Sanghchalaks, Sah-Prant Karyavahs, and Sah-Pracharaks from all 46 Prants of the Sangh structure.
