Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed in Auckland that 300-year-old Sikh relics, including the Jode Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, were preserved by a family through Partition before reaching India. The artifacts now rest at Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib.
Sacred Relics and Their Journey
The Jode Sahib—the sacred footwear of the tenth Sikh Guru and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji—was secretly protected for centuries by the ancestors of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Despite the chaos of the 1947 Partition, the family transported the relics from present-day Pakistan to Delhi. A government committee later validated their antiquity before their installation in Bihar.
Modi’s Address and Sikh Contributions
In his speech to the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, Modi celebrated the Sikh community’s resilience and global contributions. He cited their tradition of seva (selfless service) and referenced initiatives like the Hemkund Sahib ropeway and Veer Bal Diwas. The evacuation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan was also highlighted as a moment of national pride.
Diaspora as a Cultural Bridge
Modi emphasized the diaspora’s role in strengthening India-New Zealand ties, urging younger Indian-Kiwis to maintain connections to their heritage. Sikh leaders praised the address, noting the relics’ journey as a metaphor for the community’s enduring spiritual roots.
The artifacts’ public display at Patna Sahib underscores their historical and spiritual significance, while Modi’s remarks reinforce the diaspora’s cultural and diplomatic influence.
