English Rendering of Text of PM’s address at the 300th Martyrdom Anniversary Commemoration Event of Baba Banda Singh Bahadurji
This year marks the 300th Martyrdom Anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur which is being celebrated with immense fervour not only in Punjab or India, but also across the globe, wherever our Indian brothers and sisters are residing. As we all respectfully bow our heads to him recalling his martyrdom, I would like to share some of my heartfelt thoughts with you about the great Sikh warrior.
(Originally spoken in Punjabi: Is sal Baba Banda Singh Bahadur da 300 sala shaheedi divas na sirf Punjab jan Hindustan dee dharati te hi sagon snsar bhar vich jithe-jithe vi Hindustani vasade han, bade utsaah naal manaya ja riha hai. Hua jadon asi sare unhan di laasaani shaheedi noo yad karake natamastak hunde haan, udon main tuhade nal is mahaan yodve baare kuchh gallaan sanjheeya karanaa chaahnvaangaa.)
A short while ago, we listened to the thrilling saga of Baba Banda Singh’s extraordinary resilience and sacrifice through a very beautiful poem by eminent poet Rabindranath Tagore (Originally in Bengali entitled ‘Banda Bir’or The Captive Hero). The poem literally recreated the era before all of us . It is clearly evident from this patriotic yet poignant poetry that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was a great personality and formidable warrior, who laid a strong foundation based upon not just his renunciation and sacrifice, not just his valour and heroism, but also with his intense sensitivity towards the people and the vision to dedicate his life to alleviate their sufferings and pains through social reform. Today, we are commemorating his tercentenary to derive exalted inspirations and learn something invaluable from his life and implement them in our day to day life..
The long lasting influence of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur is not only confined to Punjab or Northern India. His ideal and exemplary life has been a source of inspiration for the Indians over the past three centuries. We are well-aware of the fact that apart from being a great Sikh general, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur has left the indelible mark in the history as a sensitive and selfless administrator of the masses. However, while portraying a glimpse of Baba Banda’s life in words, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore gave an insight into his humane values, which make him a role model and life-long source of inspiration for others. Banda Singh Bahadur never deviated from the path of justice even for a moment despite living most part of his life under adversities and shadow of war. Such a valorous persona is rare in the history even after extensive exploration. I think, this is a little achievement.
It is not that throughout his whole lifetime, Banda Singh wielded just sword in his hand. Rather, he lived the life as if on the edge of sword and therefore in spite of living amid such a tumultuous period, he never deterred from his set path and never let his goal get lost from his vision. In my point of view, such powerful forces are rarely seen in the history.
To perform brave and valiant tasks was the timely duty of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. His becoming the source of inspiration for Rabindranath Tagore is in itself an outstanding example. If we have to learn the way to take up struggle in our life with fortitude and self-dignity, even in untoward conditions, then every single world of this poem composed by Rabindranath Tagore on Banda Singh Bahadur shows us a righteous path for the same and ever inspires us to live such an exceptional life.
During the time phase of 18th century, when Banda Bahadur Singh ji took birth, the whole nation was passing through the social, economical and political turmoil. Irrespective of whatever one’s age and whichever place one belongs to, each and every section of the society have to withstand the direct impact of these tumultuous transformations. The childhood of Banda Bahadur ji too couldn’t remain untouched and uninfluenced from these substantial changes. He kept a vigil eye on his surroundings and continued to gradually comprehend them.
It is however said that sometimes a single moment of self-realization all of a sudden decides the course of one’s entire life. A similar situation happened with Banda Bahadur ji. In his adolescence, once he killed a pregnant doe during his hunting expedition. Watching the heart-rending death of the doe and her two newborn cubs, he felt so much shocked and perturbed and overcame with so much deep remorse, that disillusionment and detachment (Vairagya) awakened inside him and he became a recluse (Vairagi).
We hear the story how a young prince became Lord Buddha. Once upon a time, two cousins visit jungle and one of them shoots down a flying swan. While one called Devadatta takes the side of violence, the other one Prince Siddhartha takes the side of kindness and protection, who later gains worldwide popularity with the name of Buddha. Similarly, just a single event sparked a profound revolution in the heart of Banda Bahadur and left him adopting the path of asceticism, which eventually led him to the holy feet of his master Guru Gobind Singh.
Following a rendezvous with Guru Gobind Singh in Nanded, Banda Singh completely renounced this mundane world and cast aside his identity of past life. Guru Gobind Singh conferred upon him the title of ‘Banda Bahadur’ and his former name ‘Madhodas’ became a part of the history. After being inspired from Guru Gobind Singh ji the Bairagi teen ‘Banda Bahadur’ embarked on the path of becoming a distinguished warrior. He fully assimilated the values of his Guru into his heart, mind and actions. I can emphatically assert that Banda Singh Bahadur’s dedication towards Guru Gobind Singh is one of the shining examples of ‘Guru-Shishya’ tradition prevalent in India since ages. Fluttering pages of history are witness how this disciple of Guru Gobind Singh connected together the people of each section of society demonstrating his particular expertise of being a great mastermind and then initiated an innovative transformation in existing system.
As Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj united Malwa soldiers together and assembled a great military force, Banda Singh Bahadur too took along people from each community of the society, built up a fighting force and manifested his prowess of being a great organizer. He illustrated through his life that even the big dreams cherished in heart are achievable with the unique strength of unity. Neither adequate resources, nor necessary finance and nor the royal powers he wielded at that time, notwithstanding this, he possessed excellent organisational ability and a burning enthusiasm bubbling up inside him. Whatever he resolved, he was ever ready to fulfil that by leaving no stone unturned with his heart and soul throughout his life and even by sacrificing himself.
During the regime of Banda Singh Bahadur, the poor farmers were granted the property rights on the soil of Punjab for the first time. Adopting the principle of “Whoever sows the seeds; should reap the corn” Banda Singh ensured that the fundamental rights of the farmers is protected, since he was conscious that only this way he can bring about the upliftment and all-round growth of the poor. He championed the cause of economic freedom of the farmers. Those promulgating the socialist ideology, if they analyze each and every decision taken by Banda Singh’s rule, they will for sure discern the ways to empower the common people of society, igniting the spirit of development among the masses and carry the entire nation on the route of independence relying on the collective force of common people. He was very much aware of the significance of poverty eradication in our country to ensure all around progress and welfare of the society. He cleared each hurdle lying in the way to achieve the equitable development of all sections. His kingdom ensured the full safeguard of interests of poor people and minorities and rendering them justice without any discrimination.
Notwithstanding being a legendary fighter, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s commitment and dedication towards the democracy is an inspirational example even today. He didn’t assume all the administrative powers within his hand, rather considered himself merely a participant in the governance. All the more, he issued coins and seals not in his name rather in the names of first and tenth Sikh Gurus, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, thereby departing from the prevalent practice of kingship. He never tried to give credence to his name. Contrary to this, see the politics of today and then you will realize that in fact the administrative powers which Baba Banda Singh was vested with, for complying with them he sacrificed his entire life living on the edge of the sword. Despite deserving the royal rights, he never exercised them to reap benefits for his own sake. It shows very well that how much allegiance and perseverance he would have in the innermost core of his heart towards the democratic values that too in that era.
Banda Singh Bahadur accorded deep respect to the cultural and social diversity of the nation. I assert this with utmost responsibility that historical narratives of immortal martyrs are recorded on each page of Sikh history; nonetheless there would be seldom any other example of martyrdom as of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He was for certain a recluse in his life at one time, but the sublime feelings of nationalism and patriotism infused such an indomitable strength in him, that he did not fear any kind of brutality or the gruesome murder, which he endured bravely and silently.
My thousands of salutations to the brilliant talent, undaunted valour and eternal martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur on this momentous occasion of 300th sacrificial congregation! I would like to express my heartfelt feelings in the words of saint poet Kabir ji, scripted in Shri Guru Granth Sahib–
Sura so pahchaniye, jo lade deen ke het,
(Only he is the true warrior, the one who fights for the cause of the poor)
Purja Purja kat mare kabhu na chode khet.
(May he be cut into pieces, but never leaves the battlefield.)
I am immensely pleased for the memorable tribute and historical honour paid to the martyrdom of Banda Bahadur and his army soldiers by the Government of Punjab under the leadership of honourable Parkash Singh Badal ji through construction of The Fateh Burj (The Victory Tower) in 2010 in the historical battleground of Chapar Chiri. This Fateh Burj is a source of great inspiration for the youths and coming generations of not only Punjab, but also of other parts of the country as well.
A series of programs have been held within an year by the Government of Punjab along with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to commemorate the 300th martyrdom anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and more programs are to be organized in days to come. My salutes to this great soul and lots of best wishes to all these future events!
Crores of citizens of India are also about to enjoy a good fortune in this very year. Government of India will be celebrating 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh in every corner of the country with immense honour and dignity. It will also be observed all across the world wherever Indians live. The government of India has earmarked Rs. 100 crore to celebrate the occasion. A high-level national committee will be constituted to chalk out an elaborate plan to commemorate this memorable event.
I am quite sure that commemoration of the historical events like this will connect future generations with our own roots. Those who set their history aside can never create new one. Only those connected with the historical roots hold the potential to make history. Hence, if we celebrate 300th, 350th or a centenary, all these events connect us with our glorious traditions and great historical legacy. In addition, they instil an indefatigable energy, strong motivation and a noble and sublime consciousness within us to choose the future path to tread upon.
I am quite confident that along with commendable valour, renunciation and sacrifice, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s great accomplishments as an excellent administrator and social reformer would reach to his commemorators world over. My respectful obeisance unto the holy feet of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur with the best wishes that may all of us draw inspiration from his life and dedicate ourselves in the service of society and nation. I am immensely grateful for having an opportunity to take part in this mega event and for the honour showered upon me by you. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. (Wonderful Lord’s Khalsa, Victory is to the Wonderful Lord.)
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