SHIV KUMAR SHARMA
Karnal: Union Minister for Housing, Power and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, flagged off the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ marathon in Karnal, held to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Addressing the gathering at NDRI Chowk before the event, Khattar said Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice teaches everyone to dedicate their lives to the service of society, religion, and the nation.
He said that on this historic occasion, similar events are being organised across the country. Thousands of young people gathered in Karnal to pay tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru. The marathon, which began at 5:30 a.m. with a 21 km run followed by a 10 km run at 6:30 a.m., saw an overwhelming participation of over 61,000 men and women in the 5 km category. Khattar said the run was not just a sporting event but a symbol of the nation’s gratitude, enthusiasm, and respect for those who laid down their lives for freedom.
Recalling Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom, Khattar narrated how in 1675, when Kashmiri Pandits led by Pandit Kripa Ram sought his help to protect their faith, the Guru willingly offered himself for sacrifice to defend the right to religious freedom. His companions—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayala, and Bhai Sati Das—also attained martyrdom alongside him, displaying unparalleled courage and devotion.
Khattar also mentioned the heroic contribution of a young man from Badkhalsa village in Haryana’s Sonipat district, who sacrificed his life to protect the Guru’s severed head while transporting it from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib.
After flagging off the marathon, Khattar participated in a floral tribute ceremony. A special song titled ‘Hind Ki Chadar, Tegh Bahadur’ was launched on the occasion, followed by devotional singing and Gatka demonstrations. Participants, brimming with enthusiasm and reverence, chanted “Bole So Nihal” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
Thousands had gathered at NDRI Chowk as early as 5 a.m. to take part in the marathon, marking the day with fervour, devotion, and national pride.