Veer Bal Diwas: Honoring the Martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's Sons
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New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) As the nation prepares to commemorate Veer Bal Diwas on December 26, individuals across the country, particularly Sikhs, are stepping forward to recognize and honor the extraordinary sacrifice of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Sikh guru.
Since its establishment in 2022, Veer Bal Diwas has been observed annually at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifying the martyrdom of the valiant Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, who remained steadfast in their convictions and chose death over renouncing their faith.
In discussions with IANS, many reflected on the martyrdom of the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who faced imprisonment, torture, and were ultimately bricked alive at ages 9 and 6 for their refusal to convert to Islam during the Mughal era.
Sardar Anand Singh expressed his profound respect for Guru Gobind Singh, stating, “Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, sacrificed his life to safeguard the Hindu religion. Guru Gobind Singh, alongside his four sons—Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Fateh Singh, and Zorawar Singh—engaged in numerous battles against the Mughal forces. The two elder sons, Ajit and Jujhar, perished in battle, while the younger two, Zorawar and Fateh, were captured and coerced into renouncing their faith. Despite enduring severe pain and torture, they stood firm and were consequently bricked alive. We honor their sacrifice today. I am grateful to PM Modi for recognizing their contributions and preserving their glorious history.”
Govinder Pal Singh, another member of the Sikh community, remarked that the sacrifices made by these young martyrs indeed warrant the observance of Veer Bal Diwas.
“It is crucial for everyone, especially the youth, to grasp the significance of these sacrifices. Picture a father witnessing the martyrdom of his own sons. What Guru Gobind Singh did for his faith and community is immeasurable. PM Modi is performing a great service by ensuring these stories are not forgotten. It is inspiring to see that our children are learning about them in educational settings,” he added.
Rupinder Kaur, a Sikh woman, commented, “There has never been a father willing to sacrifice his own children for the greater good of faith and country. It is vital for the younger generation to comprehend the depth of this sacrifice. I appreciate PM Modi for organizing programs that teach us the importance of these historical events.”
Numerous other community members also expressed a desire for greater public acknowledgment of this day.
Maninder suggested that increased efforts should be made to celebrate this significant occasion.
“These young martyrs gave their all for the nation and their religion at an age when most children are still learning to navigate life. Aurangzeb attempted to forcibly convert Hindus to Islam, but Guru Gobind Singh and his sons stood resolute. We need a public holiday for Veer Bal Diwas on December 26 and 27, not just on November 14,” he emphasized.
Harpreet Kaur, another community member, shared her perspective: “Veer Bal Diwas serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by both the younger and elder Sahibzadas who laid down their lives for their faith at such a young age. Their bravery is an inspiration for us all.”
Manmohan Singh, another individual from the Sikh community, called for a more profound integration of the Sahibzadas' stories into the educational curriculum.
“Veer Bal Diwas should be taught to every child. There ought to be a dedicated chapter in our history books detailing the sacrifices made by these martyrs. We are thankful to PM Modi for uplifting our religion and ensuring that these stories are shared,” he stated.
It is worth noting that the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh stands as a powerful symbol of faith, sacrifice, and resistance against oppression. Their story exemplifies the Sikh principle of unwavering defiance against injustice, regardless of the consequences. Annually, Sikhs worldwide observe Veer Bal Diwas with prayers, processions, and events, reflecting on the courage, strength, and steadfast faith embodied by these young martyrs. Their legacy continues to inspire millions, serving as a testament to the enduring strength of belief and the relentless spirit of sacrifice for justice and truth.
