In a major announcement ahead of Punjab Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that December 26 every year would be marked as "Veer Baal Divas" as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
"Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honoured to share that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as ‘Veer Baal Diwas.’ This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice", the Prime Minister said in his message.
Sikh guru Gobind Singh's two sons were executed by the Mughals and two others were killed in a battle.
Guru Gobind Singh, born as Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, poet and philosopher. He formally became the leader and protector of the Sikhs at the age of nine after his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.
Modi greeted the nation on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the last Guru of Sikhs. "Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time", said the Prime Minister.
He said, "Veer Baal Diwas will be on the same day Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall. These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma".
"The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji 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," he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also hailed the decision by the Prime Minister.
Punjab’s former CM Amarinder Singh also welcomed the decision. Amarinder, who left Congress to form his own party last year November, is now a BJP ally, contesting the upcoming Punjad assembly polls.
After a political showdown on the farmers issue and repealing of central farm laws , the Modi government has been taking a number of measures to reach out to the Sikhs across the country, particularly inPunjab.