Published By: Nibandh Vinod
Last Updated: December 26, 2023, 16:25 IST
Gobind Singh was the tenth Sikh Guru. (Image: Shutterstock)
Veer Bal Diwas honours the martyrdom attained by Sahibzadas, Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, the four sons of the tenth and final Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh.
Veer Bal Diwas honours the martyrdom attained by Sahibzadas, Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, the four sons of the tenth and final Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh. The day was first celebrated on December 26, 2022, at Major Dhyan Chand Memorial National Stadium. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced the day. This year marks the second celebration of Veer Bal Diwas. Below, we look at the history of the day and PM Modi’s quotes on the occasion.
जब भारत का युवा फिट होगा, तो अपने जीवन और करियर में भी सुपरहिट होगा। इसलिए मेरा यह आग्रह है… pic.twitter.com/wiloNr74u3— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2023
कोलकाता स्थित गुरुद्वारा श्री बड़ी संगत साहिब में मत्था टेककर आशीर्वाद लिया। इस ऐतिहासिक गुरुद्वारा को गुरु नानक देव जी व गुरु तेग बहादुर जी के संगत का आशीष प्राप्त है।आज ‘वीर बाल दिवस’ के दिन यहाँ सत्संग सुनना मेरे लिये अत्यंत सौभाग्य की बात है। गुरु गोविंद सिंह जी के… pic.twitter.com/qhsF9z9vXg— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 26, 2023
Veer Bal Diwas History
Hindu rulers of the Shiwalik Hills had become unnerved by the growing influence of Sikhs in the area and sought Aurangzeb’s help. In 1699, multiple attacks were mounted against the Sikhs by the Hindu rulers and Aurangzeb’s army but had failed. More attacks on Sikhs took place in 1702 and 1704. While the Sikhs under Guru Gobind Singh’s leadership, successfully staved off the attacks, constant war meant scarcity set in, particularly food scarcity.
Guru Gobind Singh, despite his reluctance, was forced to leave Anandpur Sahib Fort with Zorawar and Fateh Singh and took refuge in Chamkaur. Here, a zamindar betrayed their location to the Mughals. Zorawar, nine, and Fateh, six, fought bravely against the attackers, but were captured and handed over to the Mughals.
The brave boys were taken to the court of Wazir Khan, the provincial governor of Sirhind. Zoarawar and Fateh were asked to convert to Islam or die. They chose to preserve their faith. As a result, they were entombed alive. When they fell unconscious, they were pulled out and killed. The site of their martyrdom became Fatehgarh Sahib. Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh also fought with the rest of the Sikhs, but they were killed by the Aurangzeb’s army during the battle.
Quotes by PM Narendra Modi
- “Veer Bal Diwas will remind us of the immense contribution of ten Sikh gurus and the sacrifice of the Sikh tradition for protecting the honour of the nation.”
- “On one hand there were heights of terror and religious fanaticism, while on the other hand, there was the pinnacle of spirituality and kindness to see God in every human being.”
- Sikh Guru Parampara is a source of inspiration for the concept of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
- “Veer Bal Diwas will tell us what is India and what is its identity.”
