CM Pays Tribute to Immortal Martyrdom of Sahibzadas at Veer Bal Diwas Programme in Sirsa
State-level essay-writing winners in four languages awarded Rs 21,000 each
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh –
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said the story of the sacrifices made by the family of the Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, inspires every individual each time it is read, heard or understood, as he made the greatest sacrifice in the interest of the nation. The Chief Minister was addressing the state-level Veer Bal Diwas programme organised in Sirsa on Friday.
As many as six lakh students from 3,450 schools across the state participated in essay competitions conducted in Hindi, Punjabi, English and Sanskrit. The first position was secured by Priyanka from Jind (Hindi), Charanjit Kaur from Kaithal (Punjabi), Ridhvi from Ambala (Sanskrit) and Jasleen Kaur from Ambala (English). The Chief Minister honoured these students with cash awards of Rs 21,000 each. Second prize winners were awarded Rs 11,000 each, while third prize winners received Rs 5,100 each.
Saini said the state government is actively working to spread the teachings and principles of the Sikh Gurus among the masses. On the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, numerous programmes were organised across the state, creating a continuous wave of awareness and reverence towards sacrifice. His martyrdom teaches us that no matter how cruel injustice may be, it cannot divert one from the path of truth. His sacrifice represents the conscience of India and will continue to inspire future generations to walk the path of righteousness, courage and self-respect.
The Chief Minister said that the Veer Bal Diwas celebration is dedicated to the immortal martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Being present among the people on the historic land of Sirsa filled his heart with reverence and pride. He said today, the nation bows before that great legacy which safeguarded India’s identity and showed humanity the path of making the supreme sacrifice for faith and truth.
Saini said that history offers no parallel where innocent children accepted being bricked alive for the protection of faith, yet refused to bow. Between 20th and 27th December, 1705, all members of the Guru’s family sacrificed their lives within a single week for the protection of religion and the common people. This week will remain forever etched in the pages of history.
The Chief Minister said that 325 years ago, Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji were martyred by being bricked alive, despite their tender age, which embodied an ocean of courage and unwavering faith. Their martyrdom teaches that bravery is not dependent on age. He said the way Mata Gujri Ji instilled steadfast faith in her grandsons, continues to inspire mothers and sisters even today. He said the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas will continue to inspire generations with the spirit of patriotism. Keeping this in view, PM Narendra Modi decided to observe their martyrdom day every year as Veer Bal Diwas.
The Chief Minister said the children of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji inherited an unshakable resolve to sacrifice for the nation and faith. Their grandfather, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, also laid down his life for the same cause, and this year marks the 350th anniversary of his sacrifice. He described Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a great spiritual leader who did not confine religion to rituals alone, but linked it with rights and freedom.
Saini said that a decision has been taken to develop a forest in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Kalesar in Yamunanagar district, while Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Dwar has also been constructed. He announced the establishment of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Agricultural College at Kishanpura, Yamunanagar, and the setting up of a chair in his name at Sirsa University. Additionally, 70 kanals of land have been transferred to Gurdwara Sri Chilla Sahib, Sirsa. For the 121 Sikh families in the state who lost their loved ones in the 1984 riots, appointment letters are being issued to one member from each affected family.
The Chief Minister said that the Swarna Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Scheme has been launched to provide financial assistance to pilgrims from Haryana visiting Sri Hazur Sahib, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib and Sri Patna Sahib. He added that Government Polytechnic College, Ambala, has been renamed after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the upcoming medical college in Yamunanagar will be named after Hind Di Chadar Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji, and the foundation stone of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial has been laid at Lohgarh, Yamunanagar. The college at Assandh has been named after Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger son of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and a VLDA College has been established at Lakhnaur Sahib in the name of Mata Gujri Ji.