New Delhi/Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Malvinder Singh Kang today raised a deeply significant issue in the Lok Sabha, urging the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour Sikh sentiments by renaming ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to ‘Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas’.
Addressing the House, Kang said the days from 15 December onwards for about ten days mark one of the most sacred and painful periods in Sikh history, the martyrdom of the four Sahibzade and Mata Gujri Ji.
He acknowledged and appreciated the 2022 decision of the Government of India to commemorate the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, aged 9 and 7 years respectively, by declaring this day as Veer Bal Diwas.
However, Kang asserted that the terminology used does 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.
MP Kang requested the government to respect Sikh beliefs and the centuries-old religious maryada by amending the name of the observance.
“Through you, Sir, I appeal to the Hon’ble 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 to the entire world,” he stated.
He emphasized 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.
