Interfaith Dialogue in Amritsar Highlights Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Legacy of Religious Freedom

AMRITSAR, September 12, 2026 — An inter-religious dialogue in Amritsar on September 11 highlighted the enduring relevance of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom for religious freedom, human dignity and communal harmony as India commemorates the 350th anniversary of the Sikh Guru’s supreme sacrifice.

Organised jointly by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Chief Khalsa Diwan, the dialogue brought together religious leaders, scholars, theologians and historians to reflect on the ninth Sikh Guru’s legacy and its significance for contemporary India.

The Government of India is observing the 350th anniversary as a year-long national commemoration from November 24, 2025, to November 24, 2026. The Ministry of Culture describes the commemoration as an initiative to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom in defence of religious freedom and human dignity, and to encourage especially young people to reflect on these values. 

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was martyred in Delhi in 1675 after standing up for the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits. His sacrifice is remembered as an extraordinary act of moral courage because he gave his life not merely for the protection of his own faith but in defence of the right of others to practise their religion freely.

Participants at the Amritsar dialogue reflected on this dimension of his legacy, emphasising that his martyrdom transcends religious and community boundaries. His life and sacrifice were presented as a powerful reminder that freedom of conscience and respect for human dignity are foundations of a peaceful and pluralistic society.

The discussions also underlined the contemporary relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s example at a time when societies continue to face religious intolerance, social divisions and threats to pluralism. Speakers stressed the need for moral courage to oppose injustice and for compassion and mutual respect to guide relations between communities.

The event formed part of a wider national programme marking the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom. The Ministry of Culture has described Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice, along with the martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji, as a lasting testimony to pluralism, righteousness and the protection of the rights of people of all faiths. 

The inter-religious character of the Amritsar gathering underscored the relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s legacy to interfaith engagement. Participants explored how his message of fearlessness, compassion, justice and respect for human dignity can contribute to building bridges among India’s diverse religious communities.

The dialogue concluded with a collective commitment to promote brotherhood, mutual respect and communal harmony, seeking to carry forward the values associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom for future generations.

The gathering in Amritsar thus presented the 350th anniversary not simply as a commemoration of a historic martyrdom, but as an opportunity to renew a shared commitment to religious freedom, human dignity and peaceful coexistence.

By Fr. John Grewal 

Director, Interreligious dialogue 

Diocese of Jalandhar