INDIA’S FIRST BATTLE OF INDEPENDENCE WAS FOUGHT IN 1783 BY SIKH LEADERS : MANJINDER SINGH SIRSA
Newdelhi, March 26 : The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) started celebration of Delhi Fateh Diwas at Red Fort here last evening with as huge gathering of people from all walks of life participated in the event. Programme begin with recitation of Gurbani Kirtan by Gurbani Virsa Sambhal Istri Satsang Sabha was followed by path of Rehras Sahib and later different Jathas performed kirtan and path.
Occasion was graced by Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh ji besides other saints and high priests and Manjit Singh GK President and other office bearers of DSGMC.
This is 234th anniversary celebration to commemorate the victory of the sikh forces led by Sikh marshals Baba Baghel Singh, Jathedar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (fourth head Budha Dal), Jathedar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Jathedar Tara Singh Gheba and Jathedar Mahan Singh Shukarchakia over the Mughal empire.
Addressing the impressive gathering Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa General Secretary of the DSGMC said that this event was laid in the history for over 230 years and was never celebrated anywhere. It was only at the initiative of DSGMC that celebration of the event begin four years ago and now it is being celebrated regularly. Briefing historical facts Mr. Sirsa said that 1947 was not the first battle of Independence for the country, it was in year 1783 when the first battle of independence was fought under the leadership of sikh marshals who uprooted the Mughal empire. He said that Kesari Flag of Khalsa was hosted for first time on the Red Fort in that year. He also told the people that the takht of the Mughal emperor Aurgnzeb was taken to Sri Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar and Bugga Ramgharia stood as a symbol of victory of sikh forces at Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar.
Mr. Sirsa further told that these sikh leaders after defeating the Mughals identified the land where Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ninth Guru of Sikhs was martyred and Gurdwara Sis Ganj and other historical Gurdwara Sahibs were built in Delhi by them. He said that sikh living all over the world will always remember these leaders who did a spectacular job for the community and the country.
He said that main motive to organize this mega show is make our youth aware about different phases of evolvement of sikh religion, culture and history.
Mr. Sirsa said that this is a proud moment Sikhs settled worldwide as conquering Delhi has a great historical significance and sikh, a newly born religion has great leaders who led from the front to conquer the national capital at a crucial time.
