CM Yogi pays tribute on Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji's Prakash Parv
Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered reverence on the Prakash Parv of Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji, the eighth Sikh Guru known as Bala Preetam, praising his childhood legacy of selfless service and compassion as an enduring inspiration for humanity.
Key Takeaways
CM Yogi Adityanath extended greetings on Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji's Prakash Parv on 7 August 2026 .
Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji was the eighth Guru of Sikhism , revered as Bala Preetam (Beloved of the Young).
He assumed guruship at the age of five , the youngest of the ten Sikh Gurus.
He is remembered for serving the sick during a Delhi epidemic , embodying seva and compassion.
CM Yogi addressed greetings to the Sikh community, devotees, and all Uttar Pradesh residents .
The tribute reflects the UP government's ongoing engagement with Sikh observances and interfaith harmony.
On the auspicious birth anniversary of the eighth Guru of Sikhism, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his reverence to a figure who embodied selfless service before the age of ten — and whose message, the CM says, still guides humanity today.
In a post shared on Friday, 7 August 2026, CM Yogi Adityanath offered koti-koti naman (countless salutations) to Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji Maharaj on his Prakash Parv — the celebration of his divine birth. He extended warm greetings to the Sikh community, devotees, and all residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Who was 'Bala Preetam' — the child Guru
Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji, revered by the title Bala Preetam (Beloved of the Young), assumed the guruship of the Sikh Panth at just five years of age — making him the youngest of the ten Gurus. Despite his extraordinarily brief life, he is remembered for ministering to the sick and suffering during a devastating epidemic in Delhi, embodying the Sikh ideals of seva (selfless service) and compassion without regard for caste or creed.
CM Yogi's tribute specifically highlighted this legacy: that even in childhood, Guru Harkishan Sahib delivered an 'invaluable message of selfless service, compassion, and public welfare' — one that, in his words, 'continues to inspire us toward the service of humanity even today.'
Yogi's outreach to UP's Sikh community
Uttar Pradesh is home to a significant Sikh population, with important historical Gurdwaras and pilgrimage sites spread across the state. CM Yogi Adityanath has made a practice of issuing public greetings on key Sikh observances — from Gurpurabs to anniversaries tied to the ten Gurus — framing these as moments of shared spiritual heritage rather than community-specific events.
The Prakash Parv tribute fits a broader pattern of the Uttar Pradesh government engaging with diverse religious communities through official acknowledgement of their festivals and figures, underlining themes of service and social harmony.
A Guru who served the most vulnerable at an age when most children are barely learning to read. That legacy needs no political translation — only remembrance.
Point of View
Cross-faith engagement that has marked his tenure in Uttar Pradesh — a state with a diverse religious demography where symbolic outreach carries political weight. By foregrounding the Guru's universal message of service rather than sectarian identity, the CM positions the state government as a custodian of shared spiritual values. This approach also reinforces the BJP's broader national narrative of cultural inclusivity while consolidating goodwill within the Sikh community ahead of future electoral cycles. The frequency of such tributes signals institutional intent, not just personal piety.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji?
Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji was the eighth Guru of Sikhism, known by the title Bala Preetam (Beloved of the Young). He became Guru at the age of five and is revered for his selfless service to the sick during a Delhi epidemic, before passing away at a very young age.
What is Prakash Parv?
Prakash Parv is the celebration of the birth anniversary of a Sikh Guru. The word 'Prakash' means divine light, and the occasion marks the arrival of the Guru's spiritual light into the world.
What did CM Yogi say about Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji?
CM Yogi Adityanath said that even at a young age, Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji gave an invaluable message of selfless service, compassion, and public welfare that continues to inspire humanity today. He offered countless salutations and extended greetings to the Sikh community and all UP residents.
Why is Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji called Bala Preetam?
Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji is called Bala Preetam, meaning 'Beloved of the Young,' because he became the Guru of the Sikh Panth as a child of five years and was deeply loved for his innocence, compassion, and spiritual wisdom despite his tender age.
Does CM Yogi regularly acknowledge Sikh festivals?
Yes, CM Yogi Adityanath regularly issues public greetings on key Sikh observances, including Gurpurabs and anniversaries of the ten Gurus. These tributes are part of the Uttar Pradesh government's broader engagement with diverse religious communities in the state.
