• An impressive exhibition of pictures narrating the story of martyrdom of Chhote Sahibzadas impressed visitors

NEW YORK (TIP): The Consulate General of India, New York marked Veer Bal Diwas on 26 December 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Day was celebrated to pay homage to the courage and sacrifice of Sahibzade Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Zorawar Singh – the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10^th Guru of Sikhs. An exhibition narrating the story of the sacrifice was showcased at the Consulate. It was on 26 December in 1704 that the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji, then aged 7 and 9 years, achieved martyrdom. They were captured and produced before the Nawab of Sirhind who gave them the option to either convert to Islam or face death. The Sahibzades chose to die in honor. This unparalleled sacrifice of young Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Zorawar Singh occupies a place of great pride and honor in Sikh history and remains an everlasting font of inspiration for all Indians.  Earlier in the year on 9^th January, on the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh ji, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced that the nation would henceforth mark Veer Bal Diwas on 26^th December each year. Accordingly, the Diwas was celebrated in India and across the world.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Consul General Shri Randhir Jaiswal explained the significance of the day. He underlined the importance of keeping alive historical memories of struggle. Members of the diaspora participated in the exhibition with enthusiasm and deeply appreciated the effort of the Government to celebrate Veer Baal Diwas worldwide.

Several prominent members of the Sikh community addressed the gathering. Participation of children was particularly encouraging.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, publisher/ editor of The Indian Panorama lauded the Consul General for his effort in putting up an exhibition of pictures which depicted so well the story of the bravery and martyrdom of the Chhote Sahibzadas Baba Zoravar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh. He appealed to the Consul General to speak with the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations to host an exhibition of the pictures at the United Nations in order to familiarize the diplomats from all across the world with the glorious chapter of the Sikh history.

Sher-e-Punjab editor Baldev Singh Grewal played an  audio of a moving poem in Punjabi on the martyrdom of the elder Sahibzadas -Baba Ajit Singh Ji and  Baba Jujhaar Singh Ji.

A number of community organizations and Gurdwaras expressed interest in displaying the exhibits in their premises in the coming weeks.  Earlier, on 23 December 2022, Consul General Shri Randhir Jaiswal gave interview to ITV Gold and Heramb Studio and explained the history and significance of the Day. On 24 December 2022, the Consul General appeared in Punjabi language programme ‘Ji Aayan Nu’ on Radio Zindagi and encouraged members of diaspora to participate in the exhibition in the Consulate.