Introduction

The Prime Minister paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzade, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
This day, announced on January 9, 2022, commemorates the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.

Veer Bal Divas: A Day of Remembrance

Inception: Veer Bal Divas was established to honor the young Sahibzade who were martyred at the ages of 6 and 9.
Guru Gobind Singh’s Legacy: Guru Gobind Singh, as the tenth Guru of Sikhs and founder of the Khalsa, holds a significant place in Sikh history.

Meaning of Sahibzada: In Punjabi, “Sahibzada” means “son,” referring to the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
Sacrificial Week: The week from December 21 to 27 is observed in memory of the Sahibzades’ sacrifices for Sikhism and Hinduism.
Martyrdom for Faith: The Sahibzades, Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, were martyred defending their faith against forced conversion.

Khalsa Panth and Anandpur Sahib: After establishing the Khalsa Panth, Guru Gobind Singh left Anandpur Sahib with his family in December 1704 amidst Aurangzeb’s invasion.
Capture and Martyrdom: The younger Sahibzades were captured by Subedar Wazir Khan of Sirhind and faced pressure for religious conversion, leading to their tragic martyrdom.
Elder Sahibzades’ Sacrifice: The elder Sahibzades, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, were martyred in the battle of Chamkaur in 1705.

Guru Gobind Singh’s Response: Upon learning of their martyrdom, Guru Gobind Singh wrote the ‘Zafarnama’ to Aurangzeb, declaring the Khalsa’s readiness to challenge his empire.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s Revenge: He avenged the Sahibzades’ martyrdom, punishing Wazir Khan and establishing Sikh dominance in the region.
Emergence of the Sikh Empire: This sacrifice paved the way for the later establishment of a vast Sikh empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

A Watershed Moment: The martyrdom of the Sahibzades is a pivotal event in Indian history, remembered with both respect and sorrow.
Legacy in Sikh Tradition: The Sahibzades’ names are honored in the Sikh Ardas, symbolizing their enduring legacy in Sikh faith and history.