Lucknow, Apr 13 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday termed Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as “cruel”, and hailed Guru Gobind Singh for effectively dealing with the problems faced by Hindus under his rule.

He was speaking at a function held in Gurudwara Naka Hindola in Lucknow on the occasion of Baisakhi and the ‘Khalsa Srijan Diwas’ (Khalsa Formation Day).

Adityanath said, “On one hand there was the rule of cruel Aurangzeb, atrocities had reached their peak. Through the Jazia tax, the effort was made by him to convert Hindus fully to Islam. Temples were being broken and the honour of the daughters and sisters was in danger.” “At that time, with his one lakh disciples, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs effectively dealt with the burning problems faced by the country and the religion. And, when he took this work ahead, he named it Khalsa,” Adityanath said.

He said that the establishment of the Khalsa Panth aimed to awaken a spiritual and cultural resurgence across the world.

The chief minister emphasised the courage and spiritual purity that defines the Khalsa, stating that Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s mission was to create “special people of God” who act with purity of heart and unwavering resolve. “His teachings remain a timeless inspiration for not only Sikhs but every Indian,” he said.

Highlighting the 325-year journey of the Khalsa Panth, Adityanath praised the Sikh community for their unyielding bravery and devotion in defending the nation and its values during the most challenging times.

Praising the unwavering spirit of Sikhs, he said, “Wherever a Sikh is, he marches forward without fear or hesitation. That is why he is rightly called a Sardar.” He expressed concern over incidents of religious conversions in regions like Terai and Punjab and urged society to reflect upon and address the root causes of these developments.

Adityanath also voiced concern over the migration of Sikh youth from the Terai region to foreign countries, emphasising the need to strengthen the region that was once transformed into fertile land through the tireless efforts of the Sikh community in a malaria-prone area. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the teachings of the Gurus and move forward with courage and conviction.

Looking forward to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th birth anniversary, Adityanath announced that a grand celebration is being planned in Uttar Pradesh. He urged the state’s Gurudwara Management Committees to prepare a comprehensive programme to mark the occasion with dignity and reverence. PTI NAV HIG