The mere remembrance of the young Sahibzadas fills our hearts with pride and our heads bow in reverence.

The sacrifice of the Sahibzadas is not a symbol of the dominance of any one religion, but rather of religious freedom and tolerance. In a civilized society, respect for faith and freedom of choice should be paramount-Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani, Gondia, Maharashtra

Gondia – From time immemorial, numerous sagas of India have been recorded in history at the global level,which are commemorated through their festivals of light, anniversaries, or the tragic day of their sacrifice. In this series, December 26, 2025, marks the martyrdom of the family of the tenth Sikh Guru,Guru Gobind Singh Ji,which is still considered the greatest martyrdom in history.The mere remembrance of the young Sahibzadas fills our hearts with pride and our heads bow in reverence.For the first time in the country, after the Prime Minister’s announcement, December 26th is celebrated as Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children’s Day)across the country and abroad to pay tribute to the courage of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib stands at the place where the Sahibzadas breathed their last.I,Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani,Gondia,Maharashtra,believe that the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas is not a symbol of the dominance of any one religion, but rather of religious freedom and tolerance.Veer Bal Diwas underscores the message that in any civilized society, respect for faith and freedom of choice should be paramount.This idea is extremely relevant in today’s era of global conflicts and religious polarization. On December 26, 2025, the central government is celebrating Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children’s Day), during which the Prime Minister will launch the National Children’s Awards and the Suposhit Panchayat Yojana(Well-Nourished Village Council Scheme) at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi and address the children.The Children’s Awards are now given on December 26th,Veer Bal Diwas, instead of January 26th,Republic Day. The Children’s Awards will be presented by the Honorable President at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.Special programs, competitions,and awareness activities based on the bravery of the Sahibzadas will also be organized in schools and institutions across the country to connect children with the glorious history of the nation.December 26th is etched as a unique chapter in Indian history,Sikh tradition, and the moral values ​​of human civilization.It is not merely a day of remembrance, but a global symbol of courage, faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to truth. Veer Bal Diwas is dedicated to the immortal martyrdom of the two brave children, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (9 years old) and Baba Fateh Singh Ji (7 years old), who refused to bow down to tyranny, greed, and fear, and gave an eternal message to humanity through their lives. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, was not just a Guru, but an era in himself. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was not only the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, but also a universal protector of religion, justice, and human dignity. He led at a time when religious persecution, oppression of power, and moral decay were at their peak. By establishing the Khalsa Panth, he made it clear that religion is not merely a system of worship, but an active struggle against injustice. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s life itself is an international moral philosophy, encompassing the values ​​of equality, freedom, and self-respect.
Friends, if we talk about the importance and definition of Veer Bal Diwas, this day is celebrated to honor the sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of the Khalsa.The young children of the last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, sacrificed their lives while defending their faith.This is a day to remember their stories and to learn how they were brutally especially Zorawar and Fateh Singh. The two Sahibzadas were captured by the Mughal army during a battle on the banks of the Sirsa River.They were reportedly buried alive at the ages of 8 and 5, respectively, for refusing to convert to Islam.The definition of a hero has now been redefined:a hero is one who illuminates the darkness. The government has also refined the definition of bravery this time.It states that a hero is one who illuminates the darkness. It includes not only courage but also compassion, proactiveness, and innovation, recognizing children who have accomplished something remarkable and become sources of inspiration for society, so that the country’s youth and children are also inspired to do the same. The government’s objective is to comprehensively showcase the bravery and achievements of these children and to draw inspiration from the indomitable courage of these brave sons of the soil.
Friends, if we talk about celebrating December 26, 2025, as Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children’s Day) and distributing the PM National Children’s Awards on this day, then, at the Prime Minister’s call, December 26 has been celebrated as Veer Bal Diwas since 2022. This day is dedicated to the bravery of the two young Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs: 9-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh and his younger brother, 5-year-old Baba Fateh Singh. Traditionally, Children’s Day in India is celebrated on November 14,which focuses on children’s education and development. Veer Bal Diwas is not an alternative to this tradition, but rather a moral extension of it. This day provides an opportunity to instill courage, truth, justice, self-respect, and awareness of human rights in children.This is a new initiative to view Children’s Day not merely as a celebration, but as a means of fostering value -based consciousness. The concept of Children’s Awards: Honoring Bravery The concept of giving children’s awards on Veer Bal Diwas is extremely important. These awards should not be limited to academic or sporting achievements, but should also honor children who have demonstrated exceptional courage, compassion, social service, disaster management, human rights advocacy, or moral fortitude. Such awards instill in children the belief that society respects not only success but also values. Children’s Awards and Global Inspiration Globally, many countries also honor children for their contributions to peace, environmental protection, and human rights. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is a prime example. If India initiates children’s bravery awards on the international stage in the context of Veer Bal Diwas, it could become a symbol of global moral leadership. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasizes the protection of children’s lives, liberty, and dignity. Veer Bal Diwas provides historical depth to this international framework. The sacrifice of the Sahibzadas demonstrates that when children’s rights are violated, it is not only a legal but also a moral crime. To honor this martyrdom, brave children are felicitated every year on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children’s Day). The Government of India confers the Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award (PMRBP) on children for exceptional achievements in seven categories: Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science and Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.
Friends, if we talk about the history of Veer Bal Diwas, it is said that the Mughals suddenly attacked the Anandpur Sahib fort. Guru Gobind Singh wanted to fight the Mughals, but other Sikhs advised him to leave. Following this, Guru Gobind Singh, along with his family and other Sikhs, left the Anandpur Sahib fort. While crossing the Sirsa River, the current became so strong that the entire family was separated. After being separated,Guru Gobind Singh and his two elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh,reached Chamkaur.Meanwhile Mata Gujri, the two younger sons Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, and Gangu, a servant of Guru Gobind Singh, were separated from the Guru and the other Sikhs. Gangu took them to his house, but he informed Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind, who then imprisoned Mata Gujri and the two younger sons. Wazir Khan summoned the two young sons to his court and threatened them, demanding that they convert to Islam. However, the two sons refused, raising the slogans of “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.”Wazir Khan then threatened them again, saying that they should either convert by the next day or be prepared to die. On December 27th, the next day, Mata Gujri, who was imprisoned in the cold tower, lovingly prepared the two sons and sent them back to Wazir Khan’s court. There, Wazir Khan again asked them to convert, but the young sons refused and again raised the slogans. Upon hearing this, Wazir Khan was enraged and ordered that the two Sahibzadas (sons of Guru Gobind Singh) be bricked alive, thus martyring them. As soon as this news reached Mata Gujri, their grandmother, she too passed away.
Therefore, if we study and analyze the entire description above, we will find that paying tribute to the courage of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger sons – a special tribute on Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children’s Day) on December 26, 2025 – fills our hearts with pride and makes our heads bow in reverence. The decision to celebrate Children’s Day and award children’s prizes on December 26th instead of January 26th, in honor of the Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, is a commendable one.

-Compiled by: Tax Expert, Columnist, Litterateur, International Author, Thinker, Poet,Sangeet madhyma, CA (ATC) Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhawnani, Gondia, Maharashtra 9284141425