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California community marks 350th martyrdom of Sikh Guru
Local officials and community leaders shared perspectives on the Guru’s teachings and their relevance today.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 04, Dec 2025
- 10:12 EST
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(L-R): Assemblymember Alex Lee, IACF co-founder Jeevan Zutshi, Mayor Carmen Montano of Milpitas city and Mayor Gary Singh of Union City, California / Courtesy: Indo-American Community Federation (IACF)
More than 200 community members gathered at the India Community Center in Milpitas on Nov. 30 to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The ninth Sikh Guru was executed in 1675 for defending religious freedom.
The event was organized by the Indo-American Community Federation, co-hosted by The Avanti Foundation, and supported by the Association of Indo-Americans.
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IACF founder Jeevan Zutshi welcomed the gathering and highlighted Guru Tegh Bahadur’s refusal to convert to Islam and his stand for the rights of Kashmiri Pandits and all faith communities.
The ceremony opened with Shabad Kirtan by Charan Kanwal Singh and Reshma Singh, introduced by author Jessi Kaur.
Local officials and community leaders delivered tributes throughout the program. Union City Mayor Gary Singh reflected on the Guru’s sacrifice and commended IACF’s long-standing work.
Assemblymember Alex Lee and Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano also offered remarks.
Speakers shared perspectives on the Guru’s teachings and their relevance today. Author Jessi Kaur spoke on Sikhism’s universal message. Uphaar Kotru of the Kashmiri Overseas Association recounted the Sikh community’s support during the 1990 displacement of Kashmiri Pandits.
Tasawar Jalali of Ibaadatkhana stressed the importance of applying the Guru’s principles to strengthen interfaith harmony. Additional remarks came from Kamal Jeet Singh of the Milpitas Gurdwara Sahib and Vinod Kumar Chumber of Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bay Area.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Sanjeev Kak of The Avanti Foundation, who emphasized the continued relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings. Attendees described the gathering as spiritually resonant and a reminder of the Guru’s enduring example of courage, compassion, and commitment to human rights.
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