Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
A video from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address in Patiala has gone viral on social media with users claiming that he said that one of the ‘Panch Pyare’ (the five beloved) of the tenth Guru of the Sikh religion, Guru Gobind Singh, was his uncle.
Multiple X users shared the 37-second-long-footage alleging that PM Modi claimed that one of the ‘Panch Pyare’ was his uncle and insinuated that the PM made such an outlandish claim in an attempt to win over the Sikh voters.
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
Also Read: 2024 Lok Sabha Polls – 2019 Video Of PM’s Kolkata Rally Falsely Shared As Jalandhar
But What Did He Really Say?
On carefully analysing PM Modi’s speech, we could conclude that he said, “.. मेरा तो आपसे खून का नाता है। गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी के जो पहले पंच प्यारे थे, उसमें मेरा एक द्वारका का पंच प्यारो…”( I am related to you by blood. Among the first ‘Panch Pyare’ of Guru Gobind Singh ji, one was from my dwarka..)
It is likely that PM Modi’s pronunciation of the word “Dwarka,” and consecutive sound of the word “का,” was misconstrued as the PM calling one of the ‘Panch Pyare’ as his ‘Kaka’ (Uncle).
We also found an Amar Ujala report, dated May 23, 2024, detailing a campaign rally by the PM in Patiala, which said “PM Modi said that he has blood relations with Punjab. One of the ‘Panch Pyare’ of Guru Gobind Singh was from Dwarka.”
The transcript of PM Modi’s Patiala address further confirmed that he in fact said, “one of the first ‘Panch Pyare’ of Guru Gobind Singh ji was from Dwarka.”
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The Prime Minister is further heard saying, “The largest hospital in Jamnagar is named after Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Dwarka comes under Jamnagar district.” The PM’s pronunciation of the word Dwarka is the same as the previous sentence.
Notably, Dwarka District which was carved out of Jamnagar district in 2013. Prior to it, the city of Dwarka was a part of the Jamnagar district.
While addressing a gathering in Rajkot in February, PM Modi elaborated on his visit to the submerged Dwarka city. In the initial few frames of the video, he can also be heard saying ‘Dwarka’ in a similar manner as heard in the viral footage. Hence it is likely that the Prime Minister’s pronunciation of the word “Dwarka” created confusion among listeners, making them believe that he claimed one of the ‘Panch Pyare’ as his uncle.
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But Who Among The ‘Panch Pyare‘ Was From Dwarka?
Bhai Muhkam Singh, one of the ‘Panch Pyare’ was indeed from Gujarat’s Dwarka. He was born in 1663 to Tirath Chand and Devi Bai. He came to Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib in 1685. Bhai Muhkam Singh was among the five volunteers who offered their head at Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s call, and initiated Khalsa in 1699. He died in the battle of Chamkaur in 1705.
Sources
YouTube Video By Narendra Modi, Dated May 23, 2024
Report By Amar Ujala, Dated May 23, 2024
Release By Narendra Modi’s Official Website, Dated May 23, 2024
Report By Punjab Kesari, Dated December 7, 2023
The Sikh Encyclopedia Website
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
