British Columbia issues official proclamation to mark Nov 24 as 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom
Attorney General Niki Sharma Presents Proclamation Copy to Singh Sabha Gurdwara Management
Hardam Maan
Surrey Canada, November 23, 2025 — The Government of British Columbia has issued an official proclamation declaring November 24, 2025, as the 350th anniversary of the supreme martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The proclamation pays tribute to Guru Sahib’s unparalleled sacrifice for the protection of religious freedom, human rights, and the defense of the oppressed — a martyrdom regarded as unmatched in world history.
The proclamation, issued in the name of His Majesty King Charles III, also recognizes the cultural, social, and economic contributions made by generations of the Sikh community in British Columbia. Since the early 1900s, Sikh immigrants have played a vital role in shaping the province’s progress, values, and multicultural identity. The proclamation highlights Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as the “Protector of Religious Freedom, a symbol of sacrifice and courage, and a beacon of cultural harmony.”
A formal ceremony to mark this proclamation was held today at the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Surrey, where British Columbia’s Attorney General, Niki Sharma, publicly read the proclamation to the congregation and presented a framed copy of it to the Gurdwara management committee. The congregation warmly welcomed her.
Also present on the occasion were Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Jesse Sunner and Parliamentary Secretary Amna Shah. In their remarks, both emphasized that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji inspires society to uphold human rights, value religious freedom, and strengthen principles of justice and community harmony. The Gurdwara management committee honored the ministers with mementos of appreciation.
Renowned Sikh scholar Gyan Singh Sandhu shed light on the historical and spiritual significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom. He stated that Guru Sahib’s sacrifice was not solely for the Sikh faith but for the freedom and justice of all humanity, making this day an enduring reminder of peace, tolerance, and fearless moral courage.
This provincial proclamation reaffirms British Columbia’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all faiths. The day is not only a remembrance of history but also a moral message for the modern world — urging the protection of human rights, justice, and the freedoms of every individual.