RAAG organises seminar on Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s Sacrificial Legacy and India’s Constitutional Ethos of Religious Freedom
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Research and Advocacy Group (RAAG) today organized a seminar for members of the legal fraternity at the Conference Hall of Lawyers’ Chambers, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu.
The seminar focused on the theme, “Shree Guru Teg Bahadur Ji: A Sacrificial Legacy Shaping India’s Constitutional Ethos of Religious Freedom under Article 25.”
The programme was inaugurated with the presence of D.S. Saini, former President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, as Chief Guest, and Nirmal Kotwal, President JKHCBAJ, as Guest of Honour.
The keynote address was delivered by Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, former Vice Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh. Distinguished speakers included Senior Advocates Sunil Sethi and Surinder Kaur, along with Senior Journalist Pradeep Dutta.
Advocate Prem Sadotra, coordinator of the seminar, emphasized RAAG’s commitment to research-driven legal discourse, noting that Article 25 of the Indian Constitution draws inspiration from India’s civilizational ethos, particularly the supreme sacrifices of Gurus who defended freedom of religion.
Agnihotri highlighted the distinction between dharma and religion, warning that adherence to dharma ensures moral governance, while mere rule of law without dharma can justify oppression. He also praised the Panj Pyare as symbols of unity against adharma.
Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi observed that Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom inspired widespread resistance to Mughal oppression and strengthened the principle of religious freedom, while Pradeep Dutta drew parallels between historical religious persecution and the atrocities faced by Kashmiri Hindus in the 1990s.
Senior Advocate Surinder Kaur underscored the Guru’s humility, tapasya, and moral courage in protecting the Kashmiri Pandits from tyranny.
Chief Guest Saini described the brutal torture and execution of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and his disciples as a unique act of voluntary fearlessness-“Nirbhau, Nirvair”-exemplifying the highest moral courage.
Nirmal Kotwal lauded the organizers for fostering awareness of India’s historical and constitutional legacy of religious freedom.
The seminar concluded with the singing of Vande Mataram. The organizing team included Advocates Saket Rathore, Pawan Choudhary, Bharat, Navneet, Karan Prasher, Neha Rajput, Aditya Raina, and Deepak Sharma. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from advocates, legal scholars, and students, reflecting strong engagement with the legacy of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and its enduring relevance to constitutional law.
