Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared that December 26 shall henceforth be marked as “Veer Baal Diwas” to pay homage to the courage of the “Sahibzades”, four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the last Sikh guru. While all four were martyred, the date has been chosen as it was the day observed as the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were killed at the tender age of six and nine in Sirhind by Mughal forces.
Announcing his decision in a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi said: “Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji, I am honoured to share that starting this year, December 26 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 Singhji and Sahibzada Fateh Singhji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall. These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma,” he said.
“The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singhji 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.”
Welcoming the move, BJP ally in Punjab, Punjab Lok Congress chief Amarinder Singh said the “courage portrayed by the Sahibzadas under oppression is unparalleled and people across the globe must know about their supreme sacrifice”.
