India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met a Sikh delegation that submitted recommendations for the safekeeping and public display of the holy ‘Jore Sahib’—the footwear of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the founder of the Khalsa Panth, and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri who led the delegation said he, along with a committee of eminent Sikh leaders, had the privilege of presenting recommendations to PM Modi for the safekeeping and display of the sacred ‘Jore Sahib’.
Puri highlighted that his family has been performing seva of the relics for over 300 years, with the last custodian being his late cousin Sardar Jasmeet Singh Puri.
“I was very happy to receive the distinguished and accomplished members of the Sikh delegation who handed over their recommendations with regard to the safekeeping and befitting display of the immensely sacred and invaluable holy ‘Jore Sahib’ of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister underlined that the relics are an integral part of Sikh history and also form a vital part of India’s cultural ethos.
“The holy relics will inspire future generations to follow the path of courage, righteousness, justice and social harmony shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.”
The meeting also witnessed an emotional moment when noted singer Harshdeep Kaur recited the Mool Mantra. PM Modi, seen with his head covered and hands folded, later shared the clip on X, calling it a heartwarming moment. Harshdeep Kaur responded, saying it was “a moment I will cherish forever.”
Puri, in a social media post, said his family was “immensely blessed” to have performed seva of the ‘Jore Sahib’ for more than 300 years, tracing back to when Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji themselves bestowed them upon his ancestors.
The Ministry of Culture has examined the relics, and carbon testing has been conducted to establish their authenticity. A committee has now submitted detailed recommendations for their preservation and display.
The ‘Jore Sahib’ consist of two pieces of footwear: one belonging to Guru Gobind Singh Ji (11” by 3½”) and the other to Mata Sahib Kaur Ji (9” by 3”).
This is part of PM Modi’s longstanding engagement with the Sikh community. In 2022, he hosted 37 prominent Sikhs at his official residence in Delhi, coinciding with the final day of campaigning for the Punjab assembly elections.
During the 2022 meeting, Modi described himself as a “Sikh at heart” and highlighted initiatives such as the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, farmer welfare, youth empowerment, drug-free society, the National Education Policy, skilling, employment, technology, and Punjab’s overall development.
Through these interactions, PM Modi has consistently underlined his personal connection with the Sikh community while emphasising the preservation of its sacred heritage and contributions to India’s social and cultural fabric.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
