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?

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

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.