On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, declaring that India has never posed a danger to any country or society and that the country upholds the ideals of Sikh gurus.

In 1675, the Mughal monarch Aurangzeb assassinated Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.

“This sacred Gurudwara reminds us how great was Guru Tegh Bahadur ji’s sacrifice to defend our rich tradition,” Modi added, referring to the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, which was built on the site where he was beheaded. There was a religious fanaticism storm raging in the country at the time. People who had committed violence and atrocities in the name of religion confronted India, which saw religion as a subject of philosophy, science, and self-reflection.”

According to Ministry of Culture authorities, the Mughal-era monument was chosen as the event’s location since it was from here that Aurangzeb issued orders for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution. Modi is the first prime leader to speak after sunset at the Red Fort.

“In the face of Aurangzeb’s tyranny, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who later became known as ‘Hind di Chadar,’ stood like a rock,” Modi added.

“The Red Fort bears witness to the fact that Aurangzeb and other tyrants slaughtered many people, yet our faith could not be torn from us,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked.

“The Sikh Guru’s sacrifice has inspired generations of Indians to live and die for the dignity, honour, and respect of their culture,” Modi remarked.

Every year on November 24, the Guru’s death anniversary is observed as ‘Shaheedi Divas.’

“Big powers have disappeared, big storms have calmed down, but India still stands immortal and is moving ahead,” Modi asserted.

“India has never posed a threat to any country or society. Even today we think for the welfare of the whole world. When we talk about a self-reliant India, we keep the progress of the whole world in front of that goal,” he added.

PM Modi commemorated the anniversary by issuing a commemorative coin and postal stamp.

400 Sikh musicians performed at the occasion, which also included langar.