Chandigarh, December 23
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has undertaken historic initiatives to accord honor and recognition to Sikhism, Sikh history, and the unparalleled sacrifices of the Guru Sahiban—not only within the country but across the world. In this very direction, the declaration of “Veer Bal Diwas” on December 26 is a historic step, through which the unparalleled martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas has been linked with the national consciousness.
These views were expressed today during a joint press conference at the Punjab BJP headquarters by Bikram Cheema, State Vice President, BJP Punjab; Dayal Das Sodhi, State General Secretary and Manjit Singh Rai, former Vice Chairman of the National Minorities Commission. Vineet Joshi, State Media Head, BJP Punjab, was also present on the occasion.
Sharing details, Bikram Cheema stated that the BJB is organizing large-scale programs dedicated to the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas simultaneously in 768 districts across the country. Through these programs, the sacrifices and teachings of the Guru Sahiban will be taken to every region and every section of society. This message will be conveyed to people in the mother tongue of each state, including Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Assamese and others.
Manjit Singh Rai emphasized that the BJP is the only party that has consistently worked with sensitivity and resolve on issues related to Sikhism. The Kartarpur Corridor, integrating Sikh history into the education system, and celebrating the Prakash Purabs and Shaheedi Diwas of the Guru Sahiban on a large scale in India and abroad at both government and non-government levels, are living examples of this commitment.
Singh said that the very Red Fort from where the order to sever the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur Patshah Ji was announced has, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, witnessed the celebration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s Prakash Purab and Shaheedi Diwas. Additionally, securing punishment for the guilty in the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom and providing compensation and government jobs to affected families in Delhi and Haryana stand as proof of the sensitive approach of the BJP governments.
Sharing details of the BJP Punjab program schedule, Dayal Das Sodhi said that special events will be organized in every district of Punjab on December 26 on the occasion of “Veer Bal Diwas.” These will include Shabad Kirtan and discourses on the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas in gurdwaras; seminars, lectures, and awareness programs in schools and colleges; exhibitions related to the history of martyrdom; and the display of posters and banners. A large-scale outreach campaign will also be carried out with the participation of youth and all sections of society.
