Gadkari pays tribute to Guru Amar Das Ji on Jyoti Jyot Divas
Synopsis
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid tribute to Sri Guru Amar Das Ji — the Third Sikh Guru known for institutionalising the langar and opposing sati — on his Jyoti Jyot Divas, the annual observance of his passing, on September 26, 2026.
Key Takeaways
Nitin Gadkari posted a tribute to Sri Guru Amar Das Ji on Jyoti Jyot Divas , Saturday September 26, 2026 .
Sri Guru Amar Das Ji was the Third Guru of Sikhism , serving from 1552 to 1574 .
He institutionalised the langar system and took a public stand against the practice of sati .
Gadkari's message used the phrase 'koti-koti naman' — 'countless salutations' — a conventional expression of deep reverence in Indian public life.
Indian political leaders across parties routinely mark Sikh Guru anniversaries as part of outreach to the Sikh community .
On the solemn observance of Jyoti Jyot Divas — the day marking the passing of the Third Sikh Guru — Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari offered reverential homage to Sri Guru Amar Das Ji on Saturday, September 26, 2026, bowing in tribute to one of Sikhism's most transformative spiritual figures.
Posting on X, Gadkari wrote: 'Sri Guru Amar Das Ji ke Jyoti Jyot Divas par unhe koti-koti naman' — 'On the Jyoti Jyot Divas of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, I offer countless salutations to him.' The message, accompanied by a folded-hands gesture, carried the hashtags #श्रीगुरु_अमरदास_जी and #SriGuruAmardasJi.
Who was Sri Guru Amar Das Ji?
Sri Guru Amar Das Ji served as the Third Guru of Sikhism from 1552 to 1574, presiding over a period of profound social and spiritual reform. He is credited with institutionalising the langar — the community kitchen that feeds all people regardless of caste or creed — as a mandatory practice before any audience with the Guru, a direct strike against the caste hierarchies of the era. He also took an unequivocal stand against the practice of sati and championed the dignity and equal standing of women within the faith. His 22-year Guruship left an enduring imprint on Sikh theology, liturgy, and the community's commitment to selfless service.A political tradition of Sikh commemorative tributes
Gadkari's message fits a long-established pattern across India's political landscape: ministers and senior leaders from virtually all major parties mark the anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus with public messages, acknowledging the Gurus' spiritual authority and their deep significance to millions of Sikhs in India and across the world. For the BJP, consistent engagement on Sikh Gurpurab dates and Jyoti Jyot observances has been a visible part of its public outreach to the Sikh community. Gadkari, one of the party's most prominent faces, has maintained this practice regularly. Jyoti Jyot Divas — literally 'the day the light merged with light' — is observed as a moment of quiet remembrance and gratitude, distinct in register from the celebratory energy of a Gurpurab birth anniversary. The tribute offered today reflects that restrained, devotional spirit. As India's Sikh community marks this day in gurdwaras from Amritsar to Delhi and beyond, the message from one of the Union Cabinet's most senior ministers underlines the continued centrality of Sikh heritage in India's public and political life.Point of View
Maintaining visible presence on Sikh commemorative occasions is part of a broader effort to consolidate community ties, particularly in Punjab and among the Sikh diaspora. Jyoti Jyot Divas tributes also carry a softer, devotional register that cuts across political lines, making them low-friction moments of cross-community goodwill. The invocation of Guru Amar Das Ji's legacy — langar, anti-casteism, women's dignity — also subtly aligns with welfare and inclusion themes the party regularly foregrounds.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jyoti Jyot Divas?
Jyoti Jyot Divas is the death anniversary of a Sikh Guru, observed as a day of remembrance and devotion. The phrase means 'the day the light merged with the eternal light,' reflecting the belief that the Guru's soul returned to the divine.
Who was Sri Guru Amar Das Ji?
Sri Guru Amar Das Ji was the Third Guru of Sikhism, who led the faith from 1552 to 1574. He is remembered for making the langar mandatory, opposing sati, and championing social equality.
Why did Nitin Gadkari pay tribute to Guru Amar Das Ji?
Gadkari paid tribute on the occasion of Jyoti Jyot Divas, the annual observance of the Guru's passing. Indian ministers across parties regularly mark Sikh Guru anniversaries with public messages.
What did Guru Amar Das Ji do for the langar?
Guru Amar Das Ji institutionalised the langar — the community kitchen that serves free meals to all, regardless of caste or background — as a mandatory practice before any visitor could have an audience with him, reinforcing the principle of equality.
When did Nitin Gadkari post this tribute?
Gadkari posted the tribute on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 6:32 AM IST on his official X account.
