Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address on Saturday, paying homage to the supreme sacrifice of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, collectively revered as the Sahibzade. He framed their martyrdom over three centuries ago as the ultimate expression of bravery against religious fanaticism and tyranny, drawing a direct parallel to contemporary global challenges.
Martyrdom Remembered on Veer Bal Diwas
The Prime Minister was speaking at a ceremony to mark Veer Bal Diwas, observed annually on December 26th. This day commemorates the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzade, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were executed on the orders of the Mughal governor Wazir Khan. Their elder brothers, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, had also attained martyrdom earlier in the battle of Chamkaur.
PM Modi emphasized that the courage displayed by these young princes was not merely a historical event but a perpetual source of inspiration. He stated that their sacrifice was a conscious choice to uphold their faith and principles against oppressive forces, a narrative that he connected to the present-day fight against extremist ideologies.
A Timeless Lesson Against Extremism
In his speech, the Prime Minister articulated that the story of the Sahibzade transcends time. "The Sahibzade represent the ultimate expression of bravery against religious fanaticism and terror," he declared. He elaborated that their legacy teaches the world to stand firm against any form of ideological coercion and violence propagated in the name of religion.
Modi highlighted that the values for which the young sons of the tenth Sikh Guru laid down their lives are the same values needed to combat modern-day terrorism and fanaticism. He portrayed their martyrdom as a foundational chapter in India's long history of resisting oppression and protecting the right to religious freedom.
Government's Commitment to Honoring Legacy
The Prime Minister also underscored his government's dedication to honoring and promoting the legacy of Sikh Gurus and their sacrifices. The institution of Veer Bal Diwas itself was announced by PM Modi in 2022, following his declaration from the Red Fort. He described this as part of a broader effort to educate the nation, especially the youth, about these heroic tales of valor and conviction.
The event saw participation from a wide cross-section of people, reflecting the national reverence for the Sahibzade. Modi concluded by asserting that the spirit of the Sahibzade continues to guide India's resolve to build a society free from fear and bigotry, reinforcing the message of peace, courage, and unity that is central to the Sikh faith and Indian culture.
