DU observes Veer Baal Diwas honouring courage of Sahibzade
The Centre for Independence and Partition Studies (CIPS), University of Delhi, organised a significant and dignified programme on Veer Bal Diwas on Friday at the Convention Hall of the historic Vice-Regal Lodge. The event focused on the supreme sacrifice, moral courage and unparalleled bravery of the Sahibzade. Former Rajya Sabha MP Sardar Tarlochan Singh graced the occasion as the Keynote speaker, while the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Professor Yogesh Singh, presided over the programme.
Presiding over the programme, Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, in his inspiring address, said that if the history of the Sikhs is written correctly today, the history of the Hindus will automatically be represented correctly. Expressing his gratitude to the prime minister for his vision, Professor Singh said that it is under his inspiration that the entire nation is observing this important day. He stated that this saga is not merely a historical episode but an embodiment of sacrifice, renunciation, penance and patriotism.
Highlighting the towering personality of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Professor Singh said that it was the greatness of the father that prepared his young sons to lay down their lives for the nation. “Today, it is a question worth pondering: if they had bowed before Aurangzeb at that time, would India be the nation we see today?” he remarked. He emphasised that Veer Bal Diwas is a day to remember and draw inspiration from Sikh martyrdom. “There has never been, nor will there ever be, such an example of supreme sacrifice in world history.
This is the saga that made India truly ‘India’,” he added. Professor Singh further said that it is more appropriate to refer to them as “our ten Gurus” rather than “the ten Gurus of the Sikhs,” because, as he put it, “the children of lions are lions themselves.” Quoting Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, he recalled the brave words: “We have come having learned to die for our religion, not to fear; we will accept death but not abandon our faith.”
Addressing the gathering, Keynote Speaker Sardar Tarlochan Singh said that Delhi University was the first institution to remind the nation of the pain of Partition, and in continuation of that spirit, this day stands as a symbol of a new awakening. Questioning historical narratives, he asked that if 1857 is considered the First War of Independence, then how should we categorise the struggles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharana Pratap? He stated that the supreme sacrifice made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji at such a young age surpasses even the greatest revolutions.
Sardar Tarlochan Singh clarified that the Guru Granth Sahib upholds equality for all, but they firmly opposed forced conversions. He remarked that it is ironic that this history was forgotten for a long period, yet today it is a matter of pride that the entire nation has begun to remember this sacrifice. He also recalled the suffering and indomitable spirit of Banda Bahadur and stated that the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are what awaken the soul of India.
The programme was ably conducted by Professor Jyoti Trehan Sharma, Co-Director, CIPS. Among those present were Professor Rajni Abbi, Director, South Campus; Professor Balram Pani, Dean of Colleges; Dr Vikas Gupta, Registrar; Professor Payal Mago, Director, School of Open Learning; along with principals, professors, researchers, and a large number of students from the University and its affiliated colleges.
