Why in news?

• Recently, the Prime Minister Modi participated in a historic programme marking ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.
  • This was the first celebration of the Veer Bal Diwas.
• On this occasion, PM Modi said that concocted narratives were taught in the name of history to infuse inferiority.
• He stressed upon the fact that any country with such a glorious history must be full of self-confidence and self-respect.
• For this, there is the need to be freed from the narrow interpretation of the past.

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)

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.