Thane, February 23 More than 51 lakh students from across the Konkan region of Maharashtra participated in a mass singing program on Monday as part of events to mark the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, according to a Thane district official.
In a press release, the District Information Office said that 1.5 lakh teachers and staff from 20,000 government and private educational institutions also participated in the mass singing program, adding that it was declared a "world record" by "Best of India Records".
"The sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Bahadur for the protection of religious freedom is inspiring for all of mankind. Such activities effectively ensure that the bravery and values of great historical figures reach the new generation," said Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal, who participated in the initiative at Sir John Baptist Higher Secondary School.
Others who participated included Additional District Collector Harishchandra Patil and Education Officer Devidas Mahajan.
The initiative serves as a precursor to a grand two-day divine program scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at Ove Maidan in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.