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He was addressing an event in Kurukshetra to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Modi, who reached Kurukshetra after hoisting the ‘Dharma Dhwaj’ atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya, said the day saw a remarkable confluence of India’s heritage. “This morning I was in Ramayan ki Nagri and now I am here in Gita ki Nagri.

The PM recalled that when the Supreme Court was to deliver verdict on the Ram temple on November 9, 2019, he was at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab for the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor. “I was praying that the path for the Ram temple’s construction should be paved….The prayers of all were answered as the verdict came in favour of the Ram temple in Ayodhya,” he said.

Modi said that while Ayodhya witnessed religious celebrations, in Kurukshetra he has received the “blessings of the Sikh Sangat”.

In Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna gave the message that protecting truth and justice is the greatest dharma, Modi said, adding that Guru Tegh Bahadur too considered the protection of truth, justice and faith his dharma “The Mughals were forcibly converting Kashmiri Hindus… Aurangzeb even tried to lure Guru Tegh Bahadur ji with temptations, but he did not compromise with his faith and laid down his life for it,” he said.

Shifting focus to social issues, Modi said drug addiction “has surrounded the youth with darkness”. The government is making efforts, but this is also a battle for society, he said, adding at this time, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings are an inspiration and the solution.

“When Guru Sahib began his journey from Anandpur Sahib, he connected ‘Sangat’ with himself in many villages. He not only expanded their faith but also changed the behaviour of society in these areas. People in these villages gave up farming of all types of drugs and dedicated their lives at the feet of the guru. By following this path shown by the guru, if society, family and youths together fight a decisive battle against drugs, then this menace can be wiped out,” he added.

The Prime Minister also released a special coin and a commemorative stamp marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh guru.

He also visited the ‘Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra’, an immersive experiential centre where installations depict significant episodes from the Mahabharata, highlighting its enduring cultural and spiritual significance. Afterwards, he paid obeisance at a religious event to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. A special sand art show was also part of the event.

Later, Modi performed evening ‘Maha Aarti’ on the banks of Brahmasarovar during the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav. Addressing the gathering, he said the timeless message of the Gita remains relevant globally even today, giving Kurukshetra a unique spiritual identity.

The profound wisdom of the Gita, he said, offers solutions to every human challenge. Reciting its verses not only brings peace to the mind but also elevates one’s spiritual understanding, he said.

“The Gita’s message remains universally relevant even today, offering spiritual guidance and solutions to humanity’s challenges,” he said.

Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar, Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishna Pal were among the dignitaries present at the event.