Veer Bal Diwas is annually observed across India on 26th December to mark the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas- Sri Guru Gobind Singh’s 4 sons of the 10th Sikh guru- Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who sacrificed their lives in the 17th century.
- 2024 marks the 3rd observance of Veer Bal Diwas
- The focus of the day was on encouraging young minds, promoting creativity, and inspiring contributions toward the vision of a developed India.
Background:
i.On 9th January 2022, during the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi declared that 26th December would be celebrated as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
ii.The first ever Veer Bal Diwas was observed on 26th December 2022.
About Guru Gobind Singh Ji & the 4 Sons:
i.Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh leader in Punjab during the Mughal period, had four sons who are collectively referred to as the four Sahibzade of the Khalsa.
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh (1687 – 1705)
- Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (1691 – 1705)
- Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (1696 – 1705)
- Sahibzada Fateh Singh (1699 – 1705)
ii.In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, a Sikh community that was reformed and purified.
iii.The Khalsa was made up of devoted Sikhs who were determined to protect the innocent from religious persecution. All four of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, who were born to three wives, were members of the Khalsa.
iv.All four of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were martyred by Mughal forces before they turned 19.
v.The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb laid siege to the Sikh Guru’s fort at Anandpur in Punjab, and when supplies dwindled, the Guru decided to surrender the fort to safeguard his people.
vi.Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest two sons, Zorawar and Fateh, were seized by the Mughals and, at the ages of 8 and 5, were buried alive within a wall.
2024 Event:
The national event for Veer Bal Diwas 2024, held on 26th December 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi was graced by PM Narendra Modi, with the Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoW&CD), and other dignitaries.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP):
i.The Government of India(GoI) confers the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) to children for outstanding achievements in seven areas include Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.
ii.On 26th December 2024, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the awards of PMRBP 2024 to 17 children (7 boys and 10 girls) from 14 States/Union Territories(UTs) who were selected for the honour. Each recipient received a medal, certificate, and citation booklet.
Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan:
i.PM Narendra Modi launched “Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan” at the event of Veer Bal Diwas 2024.
ii.The program focuses on enhancing nutritional outcomes and overall well-being by reinforcing the delivery of nutrition-related services and promoting active community involvement.
iii.Various initiatives were held across India to engage young people, raise awareness about the day’s importance, and promote a culture of bravery and dedication, with online competitions, including quizzes, organized through the MyGov and MyBharat Portals.
