Prime Minister’s announcement may have come out of respect but it is not according to Sikh traditions
Amritsar, January 9 : Reacting to the announcement made on the Prakash Gurpurb (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, by Prime Minister (PM) of India Shri Narendra Modi regarding martyrdom day of younger Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President S. Harjinder Singh Dhami said that we appreciate the sentiments of Prime Minister but connecting the martyrdom of Sahibzadas to ‘Baal’ (child) noun is not fitting their martyrdoms.
Notably, on January 9 on the auspicious occasion of Prakash Gurpurb of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, PM Narendra Modi announced to mark ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ starting this year on December 26, dedicated to the martyrdom day of younger Sahibzadas.
SGPC President S. Harjinder Singh Dhami said, “Limiting martyrdom of younger Sahibzadas to ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ is not fitting the sentiment of their martyrdoms and Sikh traditions. In view of Sikh history, doctrines, and traditions, the incomparable sacrifices of the Sahibzadas of the Dasven Patshah (tenth Guru) are like those of great warriors.”
SGPC President said that in Sikh history the Sahibzadas of the tenth Guru are honoured with the word ‘Baba’ (term of respect for holy men) while referring to them.
S. Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the criterion for giving Qaumi (community’s) recognition to any ideology in the Sikh world is our Sikh history, Gurbani, Sikh doctrine, and beliefs.
SGPC President appealed to Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take the lead on this matter of recognition of the martyrdom day of younger Sahibzadas as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ by the country’s PM Shri Narendra Modi.
SGPC President said that the Panthic traditions, beliefs, and Sikh concerns are very unique and incomparable, therefore, any decision related to them should be taken on the orders from Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He said that paying homage to the Guru Sahib on the occasion of Prakash Gurpurb and this announcement may have come out of a sense of respect by Prime Minister but it cannot be considered as acceptable by the Panth (Sikh community).
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