Despite Takht’s objection, Centre to mark Dec 26 as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’

AMRITSAR: The Centre will go ahead with its decision to commemorate the martyrdom day of Chhote Sahibzadas (two younger sons of the 10th Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh) —Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh — on December 26 as “Veer Bal Diwas”, despite Akal Takht and the SGPC raising objection to the nomenclature of the day. The Takht and the apex gurdwara body had asked the government to rename the day as per Sikh traditions.

On January 9, on the occasion of Prakash Purb of Guru Gobind Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that December 26 will be observed as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ to mark the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas.

Sharing the central government’s plan on social media on Monday, National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura said: “National Commission for Minorities will hold a meeting with the Sikh intelligentsia on December 6 at 11.30am in the conference hall of the NCM for the commemoration of Veer Bal Diwas. All suggestions in this regard are welcome.”

Sharing further information over phone, Lalpura said: “The day is being commemorated as per the notification of the Union government, wherein it is clearly written as Veer Bal Diwas. The meeting has been called to discuss how the commemoration can be made meaningful. How could we take it to the public? What is the best way to promote our heritage and culture? We are inviting suggestions for the same.”

When asked whether discussion will be held on its nomenclature, he said: “This not the prerogative of the commission. Only the government can take decision in this regard. The commission is just an advisory body that can give its advice to the government. We also want the commemoration to be as per the sentiments of the community.”