Shiromani Akali Dal's Delhi unit president, Paramjit Singh Sarna, on Thursday clarified the party's long-standing demand to rename the national observance of Veer Bal Diwas to Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas. He stated that the call is rooted in historical precision, ethical reasoning, and a consistent political stance held for several years.
A Consistent Position Since 2019
Sarna recalled that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had formally backed this change as far back as 2019. At that time, the party supported replacing the earlier 'Bal Diwas', observed on Jawaharlal Nehru's birth anniversary, with a national day to honour the martyrdom of the Sahibzadey of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
"There is no inconsistency, as is being alleged," Sarna asserted. He emphasized that the party has always believed the martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh deserved national recognition. The central government's institution of Veer Bal Diwas was an acknowledgment of that core position.
The Weight of Language in History
Sarna elaborated that the specific name of a commemoration carries immense significance because language fundamentally shapes historical understanding. He argued that while the phrase 'Veer Bal' is emotionally powerful, it is also broad and imprecise.
"This is not a general observance of childhood courage," he explained. "It commemorates a recorded shaheedi (martyrdom) in which the Sahibzadey were bricked alive for refusing to renounce their faith. The term Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas conveys that reality directly, without dilution." He stressed that precision in terminology is itself a form of deep respect, preventing history from being reduced to a mere abstraction.
Beyond Politics: A Matter of Collective Memory
Dismissing claims that the demand is politically motivated or an attempt to undermine the government's decision, Sarna stated that the memory of the Sahibzadey transcends any single party or administration. "The Shiromani Akali Dal has held the same view across different political phases," he noted.
He said that if the nation is to commemorate their supreme sacrifice, it should do so in a manner that aligns with Sikh historical understanding. Aligning the national observance with the terminology of Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas, as recently articulated by party leader Bibi Harsimrat Kaur Badal, would strengthen public comprehension.
Responding to concerns that renaming could reopen settled matters, Sarna countered that commemorations are not mere administrative exercises but profound expressions of collective memory. "When the purpose is to honour martyrdom, refining the language to reflect that fact is not revisionism. It is responsible engagement with history," he concluded, framing Harsimrat Kaur Badal's statement as a reiteration of this consistent, principled stand.
