Recognizing the 350th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the revered Ninth Guru of Sikhism--the world's fifth-largest religion, with nearly 30 million followers worldwide, including one million here in the United States.

A champion of religious freedom for all, Guru Tegh Bahadur courageously confronted the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's campaign of religious persecution, defending the right of every individual to freely practice their faith. For this act of unwavering conviction, he was publicly executed in 1675 in Delhi, India, and is fondly remembered as Dharam Di Chadar, or, ``Shield of the Religions,'' for his ultimate sacrifice to protect the rights of others and uphold the universal principles of human dignity, freedom of conscience, and the right to worship according to one's beliefs.

Pennsylvania's Sikh community, whose roots trace back to the State of Punjab in India, began immigrating to our Nation more than a century ago. These remarkable Americans have played a vital role in the growth and vitality of the Keystone State and have enriched their communities through their commitment to tolerance, service, and civic engagement.

These extraordinary ideals reflect the Sikh tradition of seeking peace through equality, fraternity, and respect, while striving to overcome division through sacred teachings and the admirable tenets of honest work, charity, volunteerism, and sharing with those in need.

Mr. Speaker, it is altogether fitting that the House recognize Guru Tegh Bahadur's supreme sacrifice for human rights and religious freedom, and encourage all Americans to join in its observance on November 24, 2025.

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