NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, Dec. 10 — Punjab MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rename “Veer Bal Diwas” as “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas,” saying the revised title reflects Sikh sentiments and the spiritual significance of the Sahibzades’ martyrdom.
In a letter sent to the Prime Minister, Seechewal said the current name does not fully represent the depth of devotion associated with the sacrifices of the four sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh. “The Sikh community has a profound emotional and spiritual attachment to the legacy of the Sahibzade,” he wrote. “The name ‘Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’ better conveys the solemnity of their martyrdom.”
The government instituted Veer Bal Diwas in 2022 to commemorate the Sahibzades’ sacrifice, widely regarded as one of the most revered episodes in Sikh history.
Seechewal said several Sikh organisations had approached Sri Akal Takht Sahib seeking a change in nomenclature. After reviewing the appeals, the Akal Takht advised MPs from Punjab to take the matter to the Union government.
The MP thanked the Centre for nationally recognising the martyrdom but asked that the name be corrected before the upcoming anniversary. He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister “will understand the sensitivity of the matter” and take timely action.
