Shield of India: The Brave Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

In the vibrant and sometimes turbulent landscape of 17th-century India, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, stood as a beacon of courage, compassion, and justice. Born on April 1, 1621, he was destined to guide his followers through times of distress. By 1664, he had been anointed as Guru, and his teachings emphasized liberty and fearlessness.

The crucial turning point came in early 1675, when a group of Kashmiri Pandits, facing brutal oppression under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, approached Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib. They were given a chilling ultimatum: convert to Islam or face death. Guru Tegh Bahadur, moved by their plight, declared that the right to faith must be protected for everyone, no matter their religion.

On July 11, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur set out for Delhi to stand up against this injustice. He was arrested and bravely endured harsh torture along with his devoted companions. On November 11, 1675, his companions—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayal Das, and Bhai Sati Das—were executed in front of him in the most excruciating ways, but neither they nor the Guru wavered.

On November 24, 1675, in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly beheaded on the order of Aurangzeb. He refused to convert and sacrificed his life to protect the freedom of others to practice their faith. The shrine of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib now marks the place of his martyrdom.

Today, every November 24th is observed as "Shaheedi Divas" (Martyrdom Day) to remember Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice. Known as “Hind-di-Chadar” (the Shield of India), his legacy remains a powerful lesson for teens: stand up bravely for justice, defend the rights of others, and never give up, even in the face of the greatest adversity.