Utah State Honors Guru Tegh Bahadur Anniversary during a historic ceremony that celebrated the 350th martyrdom year of the ninth Sikh Guru. State leaders, U.S. Congress officials, and community representatives gathered at the Utah State Capitol to pay tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for human rights and religious freedom. Utah State Honors Guru Tegh Bahadur Anniversary as Sikh chants filled the Capitol halls, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere.
The event marked the first time Utah formally recognized Guru Tegh Bahadur’s unparalleled contribution to protecting the religious rights of all communities. Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, State Representative Anthony Loubet, Senior Advisor Mike Mower, and several county leaders attended the program, acknowledging the Guru as a global symbol of courage and humanity.
The official proclamation highlighted Sikh values of equality, service, and honest living. It also recalled Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice on November 24, 1675, when he chose martyrdom to defend those facing religious persecution. Officials described him as the “Shield of Humanity,” a title that reflects his universal message.
Sikh leaders, including S. Himmat Singh and Dr. Pritpal Singh, thanked Utah for honoring Sikh history and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting human rights. Gurdwara committees and hundreds of Sikh devotees attended the ceremony. A special exhibition on the 1984 Sikh Genocide also drew strong interest from visitors.
