Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Sunday declared 26th December as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ to mark the martyrdom of two child Sikh warriors.
He announced that this year onward, 26th December shall be observed as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ (Brave Children’s Day) to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji.
The two minor sons of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh were allegedly bricked alive on the orders of Wazir Khan, the Mughal Governor of Punjab and Sirhind.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
“Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honored to share that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as ‘Veer Baal Diwas.’ This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice.
‘Veer Baal Diwas’ will be on the same day Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall. These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma.”
The Prime Minister also extolled the bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the 4 Sahibzades who he said give strength to millions of people. He tweeted-
“The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the 4 Sahibzades give strength to millions of people. They never bowed to injustice. They envisioned a world that is inclusive and harmonious. It is the need of the hour for more people to know about them.”
Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honoured to share that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as ‘Veer Baal Diwas.’ This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2022
However, one must note that Sikhs already mark 26th December as Shahidi Diwas or Martyr’s day to honor the sacrifice of Chhote Sahibzade. They also organize an annual fair “Shahidi Jor Mela” at Sirhind-Fatehgarh which is attended by lakhs of devotees from Punjab and other states.
Hence, some have objected to the Government’s unilateral move of declaring the day as “Veer Baal Diwas” without consulting Sikh stakeholders, especially the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) which manages Sikh places of worship.
“I strongly oppose naming Shaheedi Diwas of Sahibzaade as Veer Bal Diwas. Babas are being reduced to children. Govt has no business reinterpreting our beliefs in a reductionist way,” tweeted SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur.
I strongly oppose naming Shaheedi Diwas of Sahibzade Veer Bal Diwas.Baba are being reduced to children.Govt has no business reinterpreting our beliefs in a reductionist way. @narendramodi @SGPCAmritsar @Akali_Dal_ https://t.co/q9qRae6uy3
— Kiranjot Kaur (@KiranjotK) January 9, 2022
Read more| Martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh