The Akal Takht has intensified its appeal to replace the name Veer Bal Diwas with Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas as it formally wrote to all Sikh Members of Parliament. The highest temporal authority of Sikhism believes the new name better reflects Sikh history and the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas. This renewed demand comes soon after the SGPC objected to the Punjab government’s December 12 programme in Ludhiana. Currently, December 26 is observed nationwide as Veer Bal Diwas.
Why Akal Takht Wants The Name Changed
According to Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the supreme sacrifice of Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Jorawar Singh cannot be represented accurately through the existing terminology. He stressed that although the Sahibzadas were young, their martyrdom carries immense spiritual and historical value. The Akal Takht states that the title Veer Bal Diwas does not fully represent Sikh beliefs, prompting their request for renaming.
Letters Sent To Sikh MPs Across India
The Akal Takht has emailed letters to all Sikh MPs including Amar Singh, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Sher Singh, Sarabjit Singh, and Charanjit Singh. Rajya Sabha MPs and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri have also been informed. Each MP has been urged to raise Sikh sentiments in Parliament and push for the official adoption of the name Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas instead of Veer Bal Diwas.
SGPC Also Opposes The Current Nomenclature
The SGPC has already submitted a similar request to the Centre, reinforcing the Akal Takht’s stand. Many Sikh devotees believe that renaming the day will bring clarity, respect, and historical accuracy to the narrative of the Sahibzadas.
FAQs
Q1. Why does the Akal Takht want to rename Veer Bal Diwas?
A: The Akal Takht believes the current title does not fully reflect Sikh values or the depth of the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom.
Q2. Which MPs received letters regarding Veer Bal Diwas?
A: Letters were sent to all Sikh MPs including Amar Singh, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and others from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Q3. When is Veer Bal Diwas observed?
A: It is observed every year on December 26 to mark the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons.
Q4. What new name has been proposed for Veer Bal Diwas?
A: The proposed name is Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas, which aligns more closely with Sikh tradition and historical sentiment.
