E-Paper
Rename ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to ‘Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas’, MP Kang urges Centre
The Anandpur Sahib MP said the terminology did not align with Sikh religious tradition and sentiments, where the Sahibzade are revered as ‘Baba’
Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang on Thursday urged the central government to honour Sikh sentiments by renaming “Veer Bal Diwas” on December 26 as “Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas”.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the AAP MP appreciated the central government’s 2022 decision to commemorate the martyrdom of the two younger Sahibzade, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, aged nine and seven years, respectively, by observing “Veer Bal Diwas” every December.
However, he said the terminology did not align with Sikh religious tradition and sentiments. “In our faith, the Sahibzade are not considered ‘bal’ (children). They are revered as Baba, embodiments of courage, sacrifice and divine spirit,” he said.
The Anandpur Sahib MP requested the government to respect Sikh beliefs and the centuries-old religious maryada by amending the name of the observance. “I appeal to the Prime Minister and the Government of India that instead of Veer Bal Diwas, the day should be officially named Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas. This will carry the right spiritual message,” he stated.
He emphasised that such a change would not only honour Sikh religious sentiments but also present a globally appropriate tribute to the unparalleled sacrifices of the Sahibzade.
