PM Modi remembers Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's sacrifices

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to Sikh military commander Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, saying he was not only a great warrior but was also very sensitive towards common people.

Speaking at the commemorative event to mark the 300th martyrdom anniversary of the Sikh military commander, Prime Minister Modi said Bahadur ji will remain the source of inspiration for generations to come.

"Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ji was not just a great warrior but was also very sensitive towards common people. Today, I pay tribute to him, his bravery and sacrifice," he said

"Sometimes a single moment in life gives direction to a person. Similar thing happened with Banda Bahadur ji. After getting inspiration from Guru Gobind Singh ji, he imbibed values of a warrior and embarked on a new journey for social development," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said during his rule poor people and minorities felt secure and his every decision was aimed at development.

"During Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ji's time, for the first time, farmers were given their rights, common man felt empowered, During his time, poor people and minorities felt secured," he said.

The Prime Minister released a book and souvenir on the life of Banda Bahadur. Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana and some union ministers among others attended the event.

Banda Bahadur had established his rule to protect the honour and traditions of his people by defeating the Mughals in 1710. Later in 1716, at the age of 46 he was captured and executed by the Mughals in Delhi.