The Lucknow Mahanagar unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a significant seminar on Thursday to mark 'Veer Bal Diwas' and pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The event, held at a hotel in the city's Krishnanagar area, saw Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak deliver a powerful address linking historical sacrifices to contemporary governance.
Pathak Hails Sikh Role in Protecting India's Civilisation
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak presented a historical narrative centered on resistance and preservation. He stated that Mughal rulers repeatedly attempted to destroy India's indigenous culture and traditions, employing severe atrocities to force religious conversions upon the population. In this context, he placed the Sikh community and the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh's family at the forefront of the nation's defensive struggle.
Pathak recounted the poignant tale of the young Sahibzadas, who, upon refusing to abandon their faith, were brutally executed by being bricked alive. He termed this martyrdom a defining, watershed moment in India's long civilisational history. "If Sanatan culture is alive today, the Sikh community and Guru Gobind Singh's family have an unparalleled contribution. The entire family sacrificed itself for the protection of dharma," Pathak asserted, connecting the past directly to the present.
A Critique of Past Narratives and a New National Respect
The Deputy Chief Minister extended his discourse to the education system, lamenting that for decades, it had glorified foreign invaders while sidelining the teachings and sacrifices of Sanatan culture. He emphasized that learning from this true history is essential for securing the nation's future. Pathak then credited the current national leadership for correcting this narrative. He said the official declaration of Guru Gobind Singh Prakash Parv and Veer Bal Diwas by the government reflects a renewed national respect for Sikh sacrifices under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shifting to the present day and the state's administration, Pathak drew a contrast between the current BJP regime and previous governments. He claimed that since 2017, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a transformation in law and order, improved access to healthcare, and enhanced public safety, moving away from an era he described as marked by fear and insecurity.
Inspiring Future Generations with a Legacy of Courage
BJP Mahanagar unit president Anand Dwivedi explained the core objective behind organizing the seminar. He stated the aim was to ensure that the story of the Sikh community's sacrifice and courage reaches every section of society. The broader goal is to inspire future generations to understand and uphold India's enduring cultural and spiritual values, drawing strength from the bravery of young heroes like the Sahibzadas.
The event in Lucknow stands as a political and cultural commemoration, intertwining religious history with contemporary governance achievements and aiming to foster a shared sense of historical pride and identity.
