Recognizing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom as a Global Symbol of Human Rights
Recognizing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom as a Global Symbol of Human Rights
The Issue
To
Mr. Volker Türk
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Recognizing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom as a Global Symbol of Human Rights
When the whole world is recognizing the 350th Martyrdom of 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, I urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Switzerland, to formally acknowledge the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, as a global symbol of the right to freedom of religion and belief, and to incorporate his legacy into the observance and messaging around World Human Rights Day on December 10.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: A Torchbearer of Human Rights and Social Upliftment
1. Social Reformer
As a social reformer, he preached against caste discrimination, superstitions, and social injustices. He promoted universal brotherhood, compassion, and ethical living. While travelling across India he had spread messages of humility, selflessness, and spiritual wisdom.
2. Establishment of Community Centers
He founded the city of Anandpur Sahib, originially known as Chak Nanki, in 1665, which became the spiritual and cultural hub for Sikh values and social reforms. He also encouraged the setting up of Langars (community kitchens) and Sarais (rest houses) for travellers and the poor - inclusive spaces for all castes and faiths. In a recent documented global estimate shows that 6 million meals a day during major community outreach, with daily operations at local gurdwaras (Sikh worship place) pushing the total likely above 10 million meals daily which is deeply rooted in principles of equality, service, and universal acceptance.
3. A True Saviour of Humankind
Humanity will ever be indebted to the supreme sacrifice made by the 9th Sikh Guru Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, a great warrior, spiritual personality and lover of the motherland. He propagated the message of universal brotherhood and religious freedom. He sacrificed everything for the sake of righteousness, mother land and the rights of people irrespective of their castes and faiths.
4. A Beacon of Courage
In an extraordinary act of solidarity, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life to protect the rights of Kashmiri Pandits to practice their faith freely, even though he did not share their religion—a profound testament to his belief in universal human rights and freedom of conscience. That is why he was crowned with the rare honour of ‘Hind Di Chadar (meaning “The Shield of India”).’
Why This Matters – Historical Relevance
On November 24, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the 9th Sikh Guru, was publicly executed in Delhi by the Mughal regime. He courageously opposed forced religious conversions under the Mughal regime, and chose martyrdom over submission — not for his own faith alone, but in defense of another. This act of selfless sacrifice stands as one of the earliest and most powerful examples of universal human rights advocacy and interfaith solidarity.
This was the first recorded instance of a global spiritual leader sacrificing his life not for his own faith, but to protect the religious rights of others — a cornerstone of what we now call freedom of belief.
Alignment with UN Principles:
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s actions reflect the spirit of key UN instruments:
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”
UN Resolution A/HRC/RES/16/18 promoting religious tolerance and non-discrimination.
Why the United Nations Should Act:
1. To honor a universal symbol of peaceful resistance, human dignity, and moral courage.
2. To bridge Eastern and Western human rights philosophies, showing that principles enshrined in the UDHR were also practiced centuries earlier by the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
3. To make Human Rights Day more inclusive and globally representative.
Key Ask
The United Nations Office issues a formal recognition or declaration marking December 10 as:
1. Global Day for Religious Freedom and Martyrdom for Human Rights as a global symbol of World Human Rights Day.
2. Include Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s story in UN Human Rights Education campaigns, especially in Asia-Pacific curricula.
Call to Action:
I urge the United Nations to recognize and honor Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a global icon of human rights, and to incorporate his martyrdom into the moral fabric of international human rights advocacy.
Let November 24 stand not only as a date in Sikh history, but as a universal reminder that:
“The freedom of one’s faith is the foundation of humanity’s shared dignity.”
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Tegh_Bahadur
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2122622
https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/martyrdom-day-guru-teg-bahadur-ji
210
The Issue
To
Mr. Volker Türk
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Recognizing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom as a Global Symbol of Human Rights
When the whole world is recognizing the 350th Martyrdom of 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, I urge the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Switzerland, to formally acknowledge the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, as a global symbol of the right to freedom of religion and belief, and to incorporate his legacy into the observance and messaging around World Human Rights Day on December 10.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: A Torchbearer of Human Rights and Social Upliftment
1. Social Reformer
As a social reformer, he preached against caste discrimination, superstitions, and social injustices. He promoted universal brotherhood, compassion, and ethical living. While travelling across India he had spread messages of humility, selflessness, and spiritual wisdom.
2. Establishment of Community Centers
He founded the city of Anandpur Sahib, originially known as Chak Nanki, in 1665, which became the spiritual and cultural hub for Sikh values and social reforms. He also encouraged the setting up of Langars (community kitchens) and Sarais (rest houses) for travellers and the poor - inclusive spaces for all castes and faiths. In a recent documented global estimate shows that 6 million meals a day during major community outreach, with daily operations at local gurdwaras (Sikh worship place) pushing the total likely above 10 million meals daily which is deeply rooted in principles of equality, service, and universal acceptance.
3. A True Saviour of Humankind
Humanity will ever be indebted to the supreme sacrifice made by the 9th Sikh Guru Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, a great warrior, spiritual personality and lover of the motherland. He propagated the message of universal brotherhood and religious freedom. He sacrificed everything for the sake of righteousness, mother land and the rights of people irrespective of their castes and faiths.
4. A Beacon of Courage
In an extraordinary act of solidarity, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life to protect the rights of Kashmiri Pandits to practice their faith freely, even though he did not share their religion—a profound testament to his belief in universal human rights and freedom of conscience. That is why he was crowned with the rare honour of ‘Hind Di Chadar (meaning “The Shield of India”).’
Why This Matters – Historical Relevance
On November 24, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the 9th Sikh Guru, was publicly executed in Delhi by the Mughal regime. He courageously opposed forced religious conversions under the Mughal regime, and chose martyrdom over submission — not for his own faith alone, but in defense of another. This act of selfless sacrifice stands as one of the earliest and most powerful examples of universal human rights advocacy and interfaith solidarity.
This was the first recorded instance of a global spiritual leader sacrificing his life not for his own faith, but to protect the religious rights of others — a cornerstone of what we now call freedom of belief.
Alignment with UN Principles:
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s actions reflect the spirit of key UN instruments:
Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”
UN Resolution A/HRC/RES/16/18 promoting religious tolerance and non-discrimination.
Why the United Nations Should Act:
1. To honor a universal symbol of peaceful resistance, human dignity, and moral courage.
2. To bridge Eastern and Western human rights philosophies, showing that principles enshrined in the UDHR were also practiced centuries earlier by the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
3. To make Human Rights Day more inclusive and globally representative.
Key Ask
The United Nations Office issues a formal recognition or declaration marking December 10 as:
1. Global Day for Religious Freedom and Martyrdom for Human Rights as a global symbol of World Human Rights Day.
2. Include Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s story in UN Human Rights Education campaigns, especially in Asia-Pacific curricula.
Call to Action:
I urge the United Nations to recognize and honor Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a global icon of human rights, and to incorporate his martyrdom into the moral fabric of international human rights advocacy.
Let November 24 stand not only as a date in Sikh history, but as a universal reminder that:
“The freedom of one’s faith is the foundation of humanity’s shared dignity.”
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Tegh_Bahadur
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2122622
https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/martyrdom-day-guru-teg-bahadur-ji
210
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Petition created on 6 August 2025