Continuing its minority outreach programme ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2024, the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reached out to the Sikhs on Tuesday. Union Ministers and BJP Chief Ministers then thronged the Gurudwaras in their vicinity across the country. Modi and his ministers had previously met with Christian religious leaders, and in a similar fashion, BJP leaders participated in Christmas Day events nationwide.
Prime Minister Modi reached out to the Sikhs through Veer Bal Diwas, a day dedicated to honouring the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s two sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh. The event took place at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre in Pragati Maidan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda visited a Gurudwara in Kolkata, while Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Ashwini Vaishnav, along with Union Minister Smriti Irani, visited Bangla Sahib and Rakabganj Gurudwara.
Thakur also served langar to the devotees at Bangla Sahib. On the occasion, Modi said, “With the observance of Veer Bal Diwas, a new chapter has begun in the Amrit Kaal of the country’s independence.”
He said India’s goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy will benefit younger people the most, as he led tributes to the sons of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, who were bricked alive at the ages of nine and six in 1705.
Speaking at a “Veer Bal Diwas” event to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Modi said India is now coming out of the “mindset of slavery” and has full faith in its people, their abilities, and heritage.
“This year, America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, and Greece organised programmes related to ‘Veer Bal Diwas’… Today, when we are proud of our heritage, the world has started looking at us differently… Today’s India has confidence in its people, potential, and inspirations…,” he said.
PM Modi said economic progress would mean better education, jobs, quality of life, etc, for the youth. He referred to the nationwide campaign of linking youth with the dreams and resolution of Viksit Bharat (developed India).
“When we did not respect our heritage, the world also did not value it,” he said, adding that the global perspective has now changed. When the country moves forward with pride in its heritage, the world also respects it, Modi said.
Modi said his Government has a clear vision and roadmap to fulfill the unlimited dreams of India’s youngsters, irrespective of the region and society they were born in. The next 25 years will bring a lot of opportunities for youngsters, he said. The government has a clear policy and no flaw in its intentions, Modi said, citing the increase in the size of the Indian economy and its global recognition. The world is looking at India as a land of opportunities today, and the country is playing a big role in resolving global challenges, he added.
Shah and Nadda offered prayers at Gurudwara Bara Sikh Sangat in Central Kolkata and also offered pujas at Kalighat Temple ahead of a crucial strategy meeting for the Lok Sabha 2024 polls.
“On Veer Bal Diwas, I bow to Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Sahibzade and Mata Gujri Ji. With supreme courage, they stood against the brutal Mughal rule and chose martyrdom, refusing to convert. Their unmatched valor will continue to inspire generations to come,” Shah wrote on ‘X’.
The Home Minister said by proclaiming their martyrdom day as ‘Veer Baal Diwas,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spread the saga of their sacrifice to every corner of the country and the world.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi and took part in community service by serving langar—a community kitchen meal.
“Today not only the country but the whole world is celebrating Veer Bal Diwas and paying tribute to the Sahibzadas. The youth can learn a lot from their sacrifice and contribute to making a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” said Thakur.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav visited Rakabganj Gurudwara and offered prayers.
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh visited Takhat Sri Harimander Sahib Gurudwara Patna Sahib and offered prayers.
Puri, who is the only Sikh in the Narendra Modi cabinet, expressed delight upon visiting the historical site where the 10th Sikh Guru was born.
The origins of ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ trace back to January 9, 2022, when PM Modi announced its observance on December 26 to honor the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas Prime Minister Modi also flagged off a youth march on the event marking ‘Veer Baal Diwas’.
