Governor Calls for Guru Tegh Bahadur University Chairs at Belapur Event

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has called for the establishment of a 'Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Chair' across universities in the state during a national seminar held at Punjab Heritage Bhavan in CBD-Belapur on Saturday. The initiative aims to promote academic research into the Sikh guru's life, philosophy, and legacy of religious freedom.

The seminar, titled 'The Legacy of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur', was organised to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It was jointly hosted by the Union Ministry of Culture, the Sahitya Akademi, and the Punjabi Cultural and Welfare Association.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Governor Varma described Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life as an inspiration for modern democracy, social harmony, and religious freedom. He emphasized that the guru's sacrifice for protecting the religious freedom of people belonging to other faiths was unparalleled, and stated that dedicated academic chairs would help pass these teachings on to younger generations.

During his address, Varma also referred to Maharashtra and Punjab as "twin states" connected by shared spiritual values and history. He pointed to Sant Namdev Maharaj’s association with Punjab and the inclusion of his compositions in the Guru Granth Sahib, as well as Guru Gobind Singh spending the final phase of his life in Nanded, Maharashtra.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat delivered a recorded message during the session, describing the guru's martyrdom as a symbol of fearlessness and knowledge. The event was attended by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, MLA Manda Mhatre, Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil, Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, along with local writers, scholars, and members of the Sikh community.