Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, on the occasion of ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, called upon the people to draw inspiration from the sacrifices made by the Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He urged parents to teach their children the values of courage, sacrifice, and dedication, just like those exhibited by the Sahibzadas, and instill these values in their lives. This will be our true tribute to their unparalleled sacrifice.
He also appealed to religious leaders and social institutions to unite in launching a mass movement against social evils like drug addiction, so that this grave issue can be eradicated from its roots and the youth can be saved. The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at the state-level Veer Bal Diwas function organized in Kurukshetra today.
Paying tribute to the valiant Veer Sahibzadas, the Chief Minister said that the sacrifice of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh serves as an inspiration for making the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. "The immortal saga of the Veer Sahibzadas, who gave their lives at such a young age, is written in golden letters in the annals of history," he added.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi for the decision to annually observe the martyrdom day of the Veer Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas. He said that with the Prime Minister’s efforts, Veer Bal Diwas is now observed with deep reverence across the country every year on 26th December.
The Chief Minister further said that between 20 to 27 December, 1704, all members of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family sacrificed their lives for the protection of religion and the welfare of the common people. He described the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family as the greatest sacrifice in the history of the world.
Their sacrifices were made to protect the country, religion, and society, and to safeguard the weak and helpless. Through their actions, they delivered a timeless message of truth, justice, and righteousness to all of humanity, he added.
Paying homage to the great Veer Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji who avenged the martyrdom of Sahibzadas, the Chief Minister said that he was the first Sikh commander who broke the myth of the Mughals being invincible. Fulfilling the resolution of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he laid the foundation of Lohgarh, the capital of the sovereign Sikh state, which is located in Yamunanagar district of Haryana.
Describes Sikh community as courageous, Highlights sacrifices of 10 Great Gurus for nation and society
Describing the Sikh community as a courageous and valorous community, the Chief Minister highlighted that Sikhism has gifted the country with 10 great Gurus, each of whom made countless sacrifices for the nation and society. He said that all the Gurus, including Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, shared a deep connection with the holy land of Haryana.
He also mentioned Kushal Dahiya, a resident of Badkhalsa village in Sonipat, Haryana, who gave his life to bring the revered head of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the Chadar of Hind, to Anandpur Sahib. Referring to the Kapalmochan Tirtha in Yamunanagar, Sh Nayab Singh Saini highlighted its historical significance, stating that it was from this sacred place that the first Patshah, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, introduced the concept of Langar, Sangat, and Pangat as part of the vision of Sarvadharm Sambhaav (equal respect for all religions).
He further said that after the Bhagani War, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed at Kapalmochan for 52 days and initiated the practice of ‘Dastarbandi’. Similarly, he mentioned that Lakhnaur Sahib in Ambala district was the maternal home of Akalpurkh Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, where he spent his childhood.
He also pointed out that over time, eight of the Sikh Gurus visited Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra and other regions of Haryana, further strengthening the deep spiritual and historical connection between the Gurus and the land of Haryana.
Haryana govt. commemorates 400th Prakash Parv of Guru Teg Bahadur
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that following the decision of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi to celebrate the 400th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji across the country as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the Haryana Government organized a state-level function in 2022 on the historic land of Panipat. This event commemorated the 400th Prakash Parv of 'Hind Ki Chadar' Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
The ground where the function was held has been named 'Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Ground'. The Chief Minister also highlighted that, previously, the state had organized similar state-level events to commemorate the 550th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the 350th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The Chief Minister said that 70 Kanal of land has been allocated to Gurudwara Shri Chilla Sahib in Sirsa. He also highlighted that the upcoming medical college in Yamunanagar will be named after Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji. Similarly, a college in Assandh has been named in honour of Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger son of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In addition, the V.L.D.A. College has been established in Lakhnaur Sahib in the name of Mata Gujri.
The Chief Minister further mentioned that the Panchkula to Paunta Sahib National Highway is renamed Guru Gobind Marg to honour the great Guru. He also shared that various public spaces, including roundabouts, gates, libraries, and roads, across Haryana are named after the Gurus, further preserving and promoting the legacy of the Sikh Gurus.
The Chief Minister said that Lohgarh Bhagwanpur is being developed as a prominent tourism hub. To facilitate this, the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Trust has been established in Lohgarh. To encourage religious tourism, Haryana has launched the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana, providing financial assistance to pilgrims visiting prominent Sikh shrines such as Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, Nankana Sahib, Hemkund Sahib, and Patna Sahib.
BJP observing Veer Bal Diwas at every Mandal level - Mohan Lal Badauli
Haryana BJP President Sh Mohan Lal Badauli praised Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi for honouring the supreme sacrifices of Sikh Gurus for the country. He said that the nation's progress depends on remembering and sharing their sacrifices with future generations.
He thanked Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for recognizing the sentiments of Haryana’s people and honouring the state’s gurus and martyrs. He expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s efforts and urged that this work continue to drive progress, adding that BJP workers are observing Veer Bal Diwas at every Mandal level.
PM declares Veer Bal Diwas to highlight overlooked chapter of history
Earlier, Director General Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh. K.M. Pandurang welcomed the Chief Minister and said that this day honours the supreme sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's sons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who gave their lives at a young age to protect their faith and principles.
The Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi, decided to commemorate this day as Veer Bal Diwas to bring attention to a chapter of history that had been overlooked for many years. As a result, a state-level function is being organized here today to remember their valor and sacrifice.
OSD Dr. Prabhleen and Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Prof. Somnath Sachdeva also spoke on this occasion. Former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha and many prominent leaders of the Sikh community were also present on this occasion.