‘Declare 25th Nov as International Human Rights Day in Memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’-Khalsa College Principal appeals to UN
Kanwar Inder singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ September 3,2025
Dr. Dharminder Singh Ubha, Principal of General Shivdev Singh Diwan Gurbachan Singh Khalsa College, Patiala, and a noted writer, has made a heartfelt appeal to the United Nations to declare 25th November—the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji—as International Human Rights Day.
In his letter to the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Ubha emphasized that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Guru of the Sikhs, occupies a unique place in world history as the only spiritual leader who laid down his life not for his own followers, but to defend the religious freedom of another community. In 1675, when Kashmiri Pandits sought his help against forced conversions, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji fearlessly stood for their rights, was arrested, tortured, and ultimately executed in Delhi on 25th November 1675.
Dr. Ubha stated, “This was not a sacrifice for political power or territory, but for the eternal principle of freedom of conscience and belief. It is one of the earliest and strongest recorded defenses of human rights in the history of mankind.”
He has urged Sikh institutions, diaspora organizations, human rights bodies, and governments worldwide to support this proposal so that the UN may officially recognize 25th November as a global day to reaffirm humanity’s commitment to justice, tolerance, and dignity for all people.
Dr. Ubha added that such a declaration would not only honor Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice but also inspire future generations to uphold the highest ideals of human freedom and coexistence.
