Veer Bal Diwas: Remembering Courage, Faith, and Sacrifice

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India recently addressed the Veer Bal Diwas programme in New Delhi, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to honouring the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Background & Context

India’s freedom and cultural history are marked by numerous acts of moral courage and resistance against oppression. The Sikh tradition, in particular, emphasises sacrifice, righteousness, and steadfast adherence to faith. Recognising such historical sacrifices through national commemorations helps preserve collective memory and transmit ethical values to future generations.

In this spirit, the Government of India instituted Veer Bal Diwas in 2022, marking a formal national acknowledgment of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas and their role in shaping India’s spiritual and ethical heritage.

About Veer Bal Diwas

• Observed annually on December 26, since 2022.
• Commemorates the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru.
• Aims to honour the bravery, resilience, and moral strength of the two young martyrs.
• Seeks to inspire children and youth with ideals of faith, courage, and self-sacrifice.

Historical Context of Veer Bal Diwas

• Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with his family and followers, was forced to evacuate Anandpur Sahib after it was besieged by the Mughal army.
• Amid the turmoil, the Guru’s youngest sons—Zorawar Singh Ji (9 years old) and Fateh Singh Ji (7 years old)—were captured by Mughal forces.
• Despite severe pressure, the Sahibzadas refused to renounce their faith.
• They were bricked alive on December 26, 1704, becoming enduring symbols of courage and spiritual conviction.

Significance of the Sahibzadas’ Sacrifice

• Represents one of the most poignant examples of moral courage by children in Indian history.
• Reinforces the Sikh ethos of standing firm against injustice, even at the cost of life.
• Highlights the role of faith as a source of resilience in the face of tyranny.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Life and Contributions

Historical Position

• The 10th Sikh Guru, who assumed spiritual leadership following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru.

Contributions to Sikhism

• Founded the Khalsa Panth, institutionalising Sikh identity and discipline.
• Introduced the Five K’s, central to Sikh religious practice:
  • Kesh – uncut hair
  • Kanga – wooden comb
  • Kara – iron or steel bracelet
  • Kirpan – ceremonial dagger
  • Kachera – short breeches

Military and Spiritual Legacy

• Led resistance against Mughal oppression, including the Battle of Muktsar (1705).
• In 1708, before his death, declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal spiritual authority of Sikhism, ending the line of human Gurus.

Contemporary Relevance of Veer Bal Diwas

• Promotes value-based education rooted in history.
• Encourages reflection on ethical leadership, sacrifice, and duty.
• Strengthens cultural unity by recognising the contributions of Sikh history to India’s broader civilisational ethos.

The Road Ahead: Preserving Ethical Memory Through National Observances

By institutionalising Veer Bal Diwas, India reinforces the importance of historical remembrance in nurturing civic values. Such commemorations ensure that stories of courage and moral resolve continue to inspire generations in an increasingly complex world.