CM Rekha pays homage to Sahibzade

Delhi marked Veer Bal Diwas on Thursday with a large state-level programme at Thyagaraj Stadium, where Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh.

The Chief Minister said Veer Bal Diwas is not only a day of remembrance but also a call to pass on the values of courage, faith and patriotism to future generations.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, senior officials, school students and citizens from across the city. A special booklet on the lives of the Sahibzade and a commemorative postal cover, released with the Department of Posts, were unveiled during the programme.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Sahibzade showed extraordinary bravery at a very young age.

“At an age when children usually play and learn, the Sahibzade chose sacrifice over fear. Their courage and faith have no parallel in history,” she said. She added that the decision to observe December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas has ensured long-overdue national recognition for their sacrifice.

The Chief Minister said the future of the country depends on the moral strength of its youth. She said the Delhi Government is working to connect students with India’s history through education and cultural programmes so that they grow up with confidence and a sense of national duty. “Their life is not just history. It is a philosophy for today’s India,” she said.

The programme featured Gatka performances by school students, a 270-degree projection on the life of the Sahibzade, student-made digital reels and patriotic performances by the Shillong Chamber Choir. A documentary tracing the journey of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji from childhood to public life was also screened.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said Veer Bal Diwas is a reminder of a chapter that was ignored for decades. “The sacrifice of the Sahibzadas is the story of India’s soul. It teaches us to stand with truth and never surrender before injustice,” he said. He added that the recognition given to Veer Bal Diwas reflects a shift in how India looks at its own history.

Sood questioned why generations of students were kept away from such stories of courage after Independence. He said the decision to mark Veer Bal Diwas was not symbolic but ideological. “It tells our children that India will draw strength from its roots,” he said.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh will guide generations. “Their sacrifice connects children of this country with courage and faith. This story must reach every home, every school,” he said.

He added that the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh’s family remains an immortal chapter in India’s moral history.

The Delhi Government also organised programmes across schools and colleges. Activities included drawing, essay writing, debates, storytelling, sports events and digital presentations. Themes focused on bravery, nation-building and the role of children in shaping India’s future.

 A laser and light show was also organised at Purana Qila, recreating the story of the Sahibzadas through sound and visuals.