[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 168 (Friday, October 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR

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                         HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 10, 2025

  Mr. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 
revered Ninth Guru of Sikhism--the world's fifth-largest religion, with 
nearly 30 million followers worldwide, including one million here in 
the United States.
  A champion of religious freedom for all, Guru Tegh Bahadur 
courageously confronted the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's campaign of 
religious persecution, defending the right of every individual to 
freely practice their faith. For this act of unwavering conviction, he 
was publicly executed in 1675 in Delhi, India, and is fondly remembered 
as Dharam Di Chadar, or, ``Shield of the Religions,'' for his ultimate 
sacrifice to protect the rights of others and uphold the universal 
principles of human dignity, freedom of conscience, and the right to 
worship according to one's beliefs.
  Pennsylvania's Sikh community, whose roots trace back to the State of 
Punjab in India, began immigrating to our Nation more than a century 
ago. These remarkable Americans have played a vital role in the growth 
and vitality of the Keystone State and have enriched their communities 
through their commitment to tolerance, service, and civic engagement.
  These extraordinary ideals reflect the Sikh tradition of seeking 
peace through equality, fraternity, and respect, while striving to 
overcome division through sacred teachings and the admirable tenets of 
honest work, charity, volunteerism, and sharing with those in need.
  Mr. Speaker, it is altogether fitting that the House recognize Guru 
Tegh Bahadur's supreme sacrifice for human rights and religious 
freedom, and encourage all Americans to join in its observance on 
November 24, 2025.

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