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.