Veer Bal Diwas2023
Dec. 27, 2023

Why in news?

  • Recently, PM Modi said India is now coming out of the mindset of slavery and has full faith in its people, their abilities and heritage.
  • He made those remarks while speaking at a 'Veer Bal Diwas' event to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
    • This was the second celebration of the Veer Bal Diwas.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Vir Bal Diwas – About, sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh
  • Guru Gobind Singh (about, notable works)
  • News Summary

What is Vir Bal Diwas?

  • On 9th January 2022, the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
  • This was announced to mark the martyrdom of sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh - Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.

Sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh

  • While two of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were killed fighting the Mughals, two other sons were bricked alive on the orders of Aurangzeb’s governor of Sirhind.
    • The two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.
  • Incomparable sacrifice and patriotism of the four Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri to protect the country and religion is the heritage of the country.
  • Veer Baal Diwas is observed on the same day the two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom.

Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

  • Guru Gobind Singh, born as Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, poet and philosopher.
    • He was born on January 5, 1666 in Patna Sahib, Bihar in the Sodhi Khatri family of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and his wife Mata Gujri.
  • He formally became the leader and protector of the Sikhs at the age of nine after the death of his father.
    • His father was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.

What are notable works of Guru Gobind Singh?

  • Organised the Sikh community
    • He was responsible for institutionalising the Khalsa, who played a significant role in protecting the Sikhs after his death.
      • The Khalsa warriors had to follow a code of discipline that was introduced by Guru Gobind Singh.
    • He commanded the Sikh to wear five items all the time which includes Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan.
  • The Sikh Scriptures
    • The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan compiled Sikh scripture by the name of Adi Granth. It contained the hymns of the previous Gurus and may saints.
    • Guru Gobind Singh in 1706 released a second edition of the religious scripture with the addition of one salok, dohra mahala nine ang, and all the 115 hymns of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur.
      • The rendition was now called Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
    • Guru Gobind Singh proclaimed that he was the last of the personal Gurūs.
      • From that point forward, the Sikh Gurū was to be the holy book, the Ādi Granth.
    • He declared Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's holy scripture in 1708, before his death.

News Summary: Veer Bal Diwas 2023

  • Recently, PM Modi addressed the ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ celebrations.

Key highlights of the speech

  • India is now coming out of the mindset of slavery and has full faith in its people, their abilities and heritage.
    • The world only took notice of Indian heritage when Indians gave it its due respect.
  • The next 25 years will bring huge opportunities for the country’s youth and the government has a clear roadmap and a vision to fulfil their unlimited dreams.
  • Veer Bal Diwas is a symbol of the never-say-die attitude for the protection of Bhartiyata (Indianness).
  • India was playing a key role in solving the global problems of economy, science, research, sports and diplomacy.
  • This is India’s time. The next 25 years will showcase India’s capabilities. There is need to follow panch pran and not waste even a single moment.

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