How PM Modi’s Auckland Address Celebrated Sikh Legacy And Diaspora Strength | Exclusive Details
How PM Modi’s Auckland Address Celebrated Sikh Legacy And Diaspora Strength | Exclusive Details Reported By, Last Updated: July 11, 2026, 18:27 IST The focal
How PM Modi’s Auckland Address Celebrated Sikh Legacy And Diaspora Strength | Exclusive Details Reported By, Last Updated: July 11, 2026, 18:27 IST The focal point of the Prime Minister’s address was a lesser-known, deeply moving piece of history regarding the preservation and journey of 300-year-old sacred Sikh relics Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by the Indian community on his arrival, in Auckland, New Zealand. Pic/PTI Addressing a vibrant gathering of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an emotionally charged speech celebrating the profound contributions, courage, and selfless service of the global Sikh community. Highlighting the diaspora as a living bridge between the two nations, the Prime Minister noted that Sikh identity knows no borders and has consistently strengthened India’s global image through a distinct, quiet strength. The focal point of the Prime Minister’s address in Auckland was a lesser-known, deeply moving piece of history regarding the preservation and journey of 300-year-old sacred Sikh relics.
Prime Minister Modi revealed that the ancestors of his cabinet colleague, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, had secretly and faithfully protected the Jode Sahib—the sacred footwear of the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and his spiritual consort, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji—for over three centuries. These priceless antiquities survived the incredibly turbulent and perilous migratory maps of the 1947 Partition of India. Undeterred by the chaos of the era, the family managed to transport the relics safely from what became Pakistan over to Delhi. To ensure the sacred artifacts were handled with the utmost dignity, the Government of India established a high-level committee comprising Sikh scholars, historians, and leaders to scientifically validate their antiquity and guide the process according to strict historical protocol. Following this institutional preservation effort, the Jode Sahib has now found a permanent repository for public viewing at Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib in Bihar, a location carrying immense spiritual weight as the hallowed birthplace of the Guru.
Members of the Sikh community globally have hailed the Prime Minister’s address as a massive boost for the diaspora in India, New Zealand, and across the globe. Representatives noted that the journey of these relics—surviving centuries, crossing hostile borders during Partition, and now being celebrated as far away as Auckland—serves as a powerful metaphor for the resilience of the global diaspora itself, proving that no matter how far the community travels, its spiritual anchoring to its roots remains entirely unbroken. Throughout his address, Prime Minister Modi made extensive references to the timeless teachings of the Sikh Gurus on courage and righteousness. He lauded the community’s tradition of seva (selfless service) and highlighted key heritage initiatives undertaken by his administration, including the development of the Hemkund Sahib ropeway project and the institutionalisation of commemorative events like Veer Bal Diwas. The Prime Minister also recalled the profound emotional moments during the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis when the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was safely evacuated and brought back to India with full state honours.
The BriefWire