Veer Bal Diwas 2023

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is Vir Bal Diwas?
• Sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh
• Who was Guru Gobind Singh?
• What are notable works of Guru Gobind Singh?
• News Summary: Veer Bal Diwas 2023
• Key highlights of the speech

Why in news?

• Recently, PM Modi said India is now coming out of the mindset of slavery and has full faith in its people, their abilities and heritage.
• He made those remarks while speaking at a 'Veer Bal Diwas' event to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
  • This was the second celebration of the Veer Bal Diwas.

What is Vir Bal Diwas?

• On 9th January 2022, the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
• This was announced to mark the martyrdom of sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh - Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.

Sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh

• While two of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were killed fighting the Mughals, two other sons were bricked alive on the orders of Aurangzeb’s governor of Sirhind.
  • The two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.
• Incomparable sacrifice and patriotism of the four Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri to protect the country and religion is the heritage of the country.
• Veer Baal Diwas is observed on the same day the two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom.

Who was Guru Gobind Singh?

• Guru Gobind Singh, born as Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual leader, warrior, poet and philosopher.
  • He was born on January 5, 1666 in Patna Sahib, Bihar in the Sodhi Khatri family of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and his wife Mata Gujri.
• He formally became the leader and protector of the Sikhs at the age of nine after the death of his father.
  • His father was killed by Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.

What are notable works of Guru Gobind Singh?

• Organised the Sikh community
  • He was responsible for institutionalising the Khalsa, who played a significant role in protecting the Sikhs after his death.
    • The Khalsa warriors had to follow a code of discipline that was introduced by Guru Gobind Singh.
  • He commanded the Sikh to wear five items all the time which includes Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan.
• The Sikh Scriptures
  • The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan compiled Sikh scripture by the name of Adi Granth. It contained the hymns of the previous Gurus and may saints.
  • Guru Gobind Singh in 1706 released a second edition of the religious scripture with the addition of one salok, dohra mahala nine ang, and all the 115 hymns of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur.
    • The rendition was now called Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Guru Gobind Singh proclaimed that he was the last of the personal Gurūs.
    • From that point forward, the Sikh Gurū was to be the holy book, the Ādi Granth.
  • He declared Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's holy scripture in 1708, before his death.

News Summary: Veer Bal Diwas 2023

• Recently, PM Modi addressed the ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ celebrations.

Key highlights of the speech

• India is now coming out of the mindset of slavery and has full faith in its people, their abilities and heritage.
  • The world only took notice of Indian heritage when Indians gave it its due respect.
• The next 25 years will bring huge opportunities for the country’s youth and the government has a clear roadmap and a vision to fulfil their unlimited dreams.
• Veer Bal Diwas is a symbol of the never-say-die attitude for the protection of Bhartiyata (Indianness).
• India was playing a key role in solving the global problems of economy, science, research, sports and diplomacy.
• This is India’s time. The next 25 years will showcase India’s capabilities. There is need to follow panch pran and not waste even a single moment.

Q1) What is Adi Granth?

The Adi Granth is the sacred scripture of Sikhism, a religion in India. The name translates to "First Book" in Punjabi. The Adi Granth is a collection of around 6,000 hymns from Sikh Gurus and other saints from different religions and castes.

Q2) What is Khalsa? 

Khalsa is a Punjabi word that means "the pure". It refers to both a community of Sikhs and a special group of initiated Sikhs. The Khalsa tradition was established in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism.

Source: India coming out of slavery mindset, world respecting it: PM Modi | PIB | Hindustan Times | The Hindu