The Govt. of India vide Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to Commemoration of Veer Bal Diwas on 26th December every year as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to pay homage to the great valour and supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, the younger sons of the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh ji, on 26th December 1704, at the tender age of 9 and 7 years respectively, in their quest for justice.
Commemoration of Veer Bal Diwas
The Government of India has decided that 26th December will be observed as Veer Bal Diwas to mark the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji (9 years old) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (7 years old), who were martyred in Sirhind.
Just like their father, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, they were also full of courage. The young and innocent, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji attained martyrdom on 26, December 1704, when they were brutally murdered by Wazir Khan, the Mughal Governor of Sirhind. Their indomitable spirit, heroic aggressiveness, and superb courage against formidable odds exemplified valour at its highest.
It was the time when the war between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Mughal army was going on for taking control of Anandpur Sahib fort. Though Guruji’s force was heavily outnumbered by Mughals, but still the Mughals were not able to enter the fort and therefore took resort of diplomacy by offering safe passage to Guruji in turn of leaving the fort.
Guruji had insights of betrayal in this offer, but in an attempt to prevent further bloodshed, he agreed to leave the fort. Lo and behold, the Mughal army attacked them resulting in the separation of Guruji’s family. The younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji were left with their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji.
They along with their grandmother were caught and imprisoned and kept in the open tower of Sirhind Fort in bone chilling winter. They were lured to change their religion but they refused squarely and stood their
ground against all odds. Ultimately, they were bricked alive in the walls on December 26, 1704 at the tender age.
On the Veer Bal Diwas, as a Nation and society, we should remember their sacrifice and remind ourselves of our duty to their memory, and to the future, they sacrificed their lives for. We must honour their sacrifice by sustaining the best of India, while honestly confronting all that we must do to make our nation fuller, freer, and more just. For in remembrance lies not just our solemn remembrance, but our renewed purpose.
Suggestive Activities for Commemoration of Veer Bal Diwas
1. Awareness Generation Activities
2. Literary Activities
3. Art Activities
4. Ongoing Activities to imbibe the qualities exhibited by Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and
Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji in the students
1. Awareness Generation Activities:
Awareness about the sacrifice and courage of the Sahibzadas can be created using any of the following means:
a) Showcasing of animated movie on Sahibzadas ‘Chaar Sahibzaade’ (available in Punjabi, Hindi and English)
b) Narrating the Story of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji to the students addressing the themes of sacrifice, courage, respect and responsibility
c) Reading of Comic Books on Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji
d) Inviting Experts in the area to deliver talks
e) Conducting Special Morning Assembly wherein the students can be informed about the lives of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji
2. Literary Activities:
Once the students are aware about the courage and sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, students may be asked to:
a) Write an essay
b) Recite or write a Poem on their sacrifice, courage, and other values learnt from their lives
c) Identify similar acts of courage and narrate it to other students in the class
d) Create a map of major events in their lives
e) Create a story board on major events in their lives
f) Write an inspiring short story about an imaginary character who stood courageously against all challenges and adversities
g) Express their gratitude towards Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji through a 1minute talk
h) Attempt motivating word games
i) Identify and write about the values which they learnt from the lives of the Sahibzadas and how they can incorporate them in their own lives
j) Talk or write about the difficult situation(s) they may come across and what they would do when faced with such situations and why.
3. Art Activities:
Art activities may also be organised for the students once they are quite aware about Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji. Students may be asked /guided to:
a) Create a wall of appreciation on which they can hang Thank You Cards made by them to express their gratitude towards the sacrifice done by the Sahibzadas. The cards can be addressed to Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji.
b) Make Promise Cards wherein they can make a promise to the Sahibzadas
c) Make Sahibzadas Themed New Year Calendar (as the new year will be around) Culmination of Activities