CM Dhami pays tribute to Guru Har Rai on Jyoti-Jyot Divas
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On the Jyoti-Jyot Divas of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji — the seventh Guru of Sikhism — Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered reverent homage on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, calling on the Guru's timeless teachings of love, compassion, and service to humanity to guide society toward harmony and benevolence.
In a message posted on X, CM Dhami wrote: 'सिख पंथ के सातवें गुरु, श्री गुरु हर राय साहिब जी के ज्योति-ज्योत दिवस पर कोटिशः नमन' — offering 'crores of salutations' on the death anniversary of the seventh Guru of the Sikh faith. He emphasised that Guru Har Rai Sahib's sacred teachings and spiritual ideals 'will forever guide humanity on the path of righteousness.'
Who was Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji?
Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, born in 1630 and the seventh of the ten Sikh Gurus, is remembered for his profound commitment to compassion and the healing sciences. He maintained a large botanical garden and an institution dedicated to herbal medicine, embodying the principle that spiritual leadership and service to the suffering are inseparable. His guruship lasted until 1661.
Unlike some of his predecessors who faced intense political conflict, Guru Har Rai navigated a turbulent Mughal era with quiet diplomacy, never abandoning the Sikh principle of seva — selfless service — even under pressure. His legacy is one of healing, gentleness, and an unwavering ethical compass.
Uttarakhand's Sikh heritage and CM Dhami's outreach
Uttarakhand has historic gurdwaras and a Sikh community with deep roots across its districts, making tributes on Guru anniversaries both culturally meaningful and politically resonant for state leadership. Chief Ministers across India routinely mark such occasions — but for a BJP leader in a hill state with growing community diversity, the gesture underlines an inclusive public posture.
Tributes on this day are also traditionally echoed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and gurdwaras statewide, where congregations gather for prayers and langar — the community kitchen that itself embodies the Guru's teaching of equality in service.
Guru Har Rai's message, as CM Dhami framed it, was one of 'prem, karuna evam manavta ki seva' — love, compassion, and service to humanity — virtues the Chief Minister held up as a compass for society's path forward.