Honouring the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh & Sabibzada Fateh Singh as VEER BAL DIVAS

By Puran Chand Sharma

Veer Bal Divas, observed annually on 26 December, is a solemn and inspiring national day dedicated to commemorating the unparalleled courage, faith and martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh aged 9 and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (6), the younger sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. This day stands as powerful reminder of India’s civilizational values such as Dharma (Righteousness), religious freedom, moral courage, and resistance against injustice even in the face of extreme adversity. The observance of Veer Bal Divas transcends religious boundaries and has been recognized by the Government of India as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of children who stood firm for truth and conscience, a timeless example for humanity.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The events associated with Veer Bal Divas trace back to 1705, a period marked by intense persecution of Sikhs under the Mughal administration led by Emperor Aurangzeb. After the evacuation of Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind singh ji and his family were separated while crossing the Sirsa River. The younger Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were taken into custody along with their Grandmother, Mata Gujri ji by Gangu, a former servant, who later betrayed them for material gain.

THE SUPREME TEST OF FAITH

Despite their tender age, The Sahibzadas exhibited extraordinary clarity of thought and unwavering commitment to their belief. Firmly guided by teachings of Guru Gobind Singh ji and the spiritual strength of MATA GUJRI JI , they refused to forsake their faith. Their response was not defiance born of anger but calm, conscious and dignified resistance. When all attempts at persuasion failed, Wazir Khan, the commander ordered the most brutal and unimaginable punishment, The children were bricked alive within a wall on 26 December 1705. On hearing the news of martyrdom of her grandsons, Mata Gujri ji also attained martyrdom, unable to bear the grief, thereby completing a chapter of supreme sacrifice rarely paralleled in the world history.

MORAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Martyrdom of Sahibzadas is not merely an episode, it is a profound moral lesson. Their sacrifice symbolizes: *To maintain unshakeable faith in the face of oppression. * Moral courage beyond physical strength.* Freedom of conscience and belief *Resistance to tyranny without hatred. Their stand affirms that age is no barrier to wisdom and the true bravery lies in standing by truth, regardless of consequences.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE

In the year 2022, Veer Bal Divas was formally announced as a national observance across India, ensuring that future generations learn about this extraordinary sacrifice. Educational institutions all over the country now observe the Day by way of: *Story telling and historical discussions *Essay writing, debates and cultural programs * Reflection on values such as courage, integrity and justice. In a modern world facing moral confusion, intolerance and ethical compromise, the example of Sahibzadas serves as a guiding light especially for the youth on how to uphold principles with dignity and resilience.

PATRIOTIC MESSAGE FOR NATIONAL OBSERVANCE VEER BAL DIVAS

Veer Bal Divas is not merely about remembering the past; it is about internalizing values. The Sahibzadas inspire young minds to: * Stand firm against injustice. *Protect freedom of belief and expression. * Choose integrity over convenience. * Serve the Nation with courage and compassion.

Their lives teach that true victory is moral victory, even when it comes at the cost of life itself. On this solemn and proud occasion of VEER BAL DIVAS, the nation bows in reverence to the immortal courage of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, Sahibzada fateh Singh, the youngest martyrs of India’s freedom of conscience and faith. Their supreme sacrifice at the tender ages of 9 and 6 years is not merely a chapter of history , it is living inspiration etched into the soul of Bharat. More than three centuries ago, when faced with tyranny ,temptation and terror, these sons of Guru Gobind Singh chose the path of Dharma, diginity and fearless truth. They refused to bow before injustice, proving to the world that true patriotism is rooted not in power but in principles. Their patriotism reminds that strength of a nation lies in the character of its people. Veer Bal Divas calls upon every Indian, especially our youth to rise above fear, falsehood and selfishness. It urges us to defend the constitutional values of freedom, Equality, justice and unity, just as the Sahibzadas defended the freedom of belief with their lives. Their sacrifice teaches us that loyalty to the nation begins with loyalty to conscience.

As India marches forward as a confident and resilient nation, let us draw inspiration from these child heroes who showed that courage has no age and sacrifice knows no compromise. May their legacy strengthen our resolve to build a nation free from hatred, oppression, and injustice. On this Veer Bal Divas, let us pledge to uphold the ideals for which the Sahibzadas laid down their lives, truth over tyranny, unity over division, and duty over self. Their martyrdom is our mandate, their courage is our compass, their sacrifice is India’s eternal strength.

CONCLUSION

Veer Bal Divas immortalizes the bravery of two young children who , despite unimaginable suffering, chose faith over fear and righteousness over survival. Their martyrdom enriches India’s moral heritage and reinforces the idea that the defence of truth is the highest form of patriotism. As India remembers Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the nation bows not in sorrow but in reverence and courage that knew no age, and sacrifice that continues to inspire humanity. Wahe Guru ji.

(The author is president of Ved Mandir, Amphalla)