Essay – Veer Sahibzada Diwas & its significance in building patriotism in the youth
Veer Sahibzada Diwas & its significance in building patriotism in the youth Essay: Veer Bal Diwas is observed on 26th December to celebrate and observe the martyrdom of the four sons of the tenth and the last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.It is a tribute to theyoung boys who gave their life for their faith and believe without having any fear of death.
In January 2022, Prime Minister declared that 26th December will be observed henceforth as the ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.This day celebrates the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas every year.
The term ‘Sahibzaade’ means ‘noble offsprings’in Punjabi language. This word is of great significance to the Sikh history and refers to the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.The four sons were Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. On 26th December day,6 years old Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and 9 years Fateh Singh were killed by the Mughal forces in Sirhind, Punjab.
Guru Gobind Singh was a visionary, poet, a great leader and a warrior. He throughout his life followed the path of his religion with strong mind and zeal. He played an important role in founding Sikhism during the problematic period in India. He faced oppression from his childhood, oppression of the Sikhs in the hands of various other communities, especially the Mughals.
The Mughals under the rule of Aurangzeb wanted to convert the Sikhs. Guru Teg Bahadur Singh refused and as a result he was beheaded in 1675. This incident was an eye opener for young Guru Gobind Singh Ji and pledged a lifelong battle against the atrocities of the Mughals.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji believed in war in defence of faith and righteousness “Dharma Yuddh”. He and his followers fought many battles to uphold their visions. He founded the Sikh warrior community known as the ‘Khalsa’ in 1699 and introduced the Five Ks, the five articles of faith that are worn by the Khalsa Sikhs all the times.
The four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sundari, from very young age were brought up with the teachings of their father and were courageous, compassionated and devoted Sikhs. The political situation during this time were very hostile and Guru Gobind Singh Ji faced hostilities and challenges to protect the Sikhs especially from the Mughals.
In the year of 1705, Guru Gobind Singh along-with a few numbers of Sikhs defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Chamkaur. His sons Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, aged 18 and 14 respectively fought with great bravery. The army of the Mughals were huge in number but the Sahibzades showed great courage and bravery in their fight for upholding Sikhism.
The Battle of Chamkaur also showcased the valour and might of the younger Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh who were 9 and 6 years old. They stood courageously in the face of war and atrocities. They, though not directly participated the battle stood by their father courageously. The fort was taken back by the Mughals and they started hunting for the Guru and his sons. Guru Gobind Singh, his sons, with few of his followers retreated to the safety of the Machhiwara forest. The relentless search conducted by the Mughals and the hardships of the life eventually made the Sahibzaade get separated from their father and were captured by the Mughals. The young Sahibzaade were tortured and were compelled to change their faith. They were tempted to luxurious life but the young boys stayed unwavered in their commitment to their faith and religion and faced the adversities. They were eventually brutally killed in the hands of the Mughals. These boys at their young age chose death when they were forced to renounce their faith by the Mughal army.
The sacrifices of the Sahibzades played an important role in forming the character and identity of the Sikhs. The Sahibzades reinstated the ideals of equality, justice and freedom.
The celebration of ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ is not about remembering the supreme sacrifices of the young boys but also to imbibe the values like justice, equality in the heart of the youths. The feeling of patriotism, to remain resilient towards the justice and righteousness echo in the sacrifices of the ‘Sahebzadas.’
Also See: Martyrdom of Sahibzade Essay