The Indian Panorama

Tag: Sahibzada Fateh Singh

  • Rich Tributes paid to the Younger Sahibzadas Zoravar Singh ji and Fateh Singh ji on Veer Bal Divas

    Rich Tributes paid to the Younger Sahibzadas Zoravar Singh ji and Fateh Singh ji on Veer Bal Divas

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Consulate General of India on Thursday, December 26, paid rich tributes to the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh—Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh—who were bricked alive on the orders of the Mughal governor of Sirhind for refusing to renounce their faith and convert to Islam. The solemn commemoration was held as part of Veer Bal Divas, a day declared by the Government of India to honor the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and moral fortitude of the Sahibzadas.

    Group photo of the participants with Consul General, Binaya Pradhan, at Veer Baal Diwas photo exhibit organized by the Indian Consulate in New York City. (Photo : Jay Mandal/On Assignment)

    Continuing its tradition of commemorating the supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas through art and culture, the Consulate General of India once again organized a photo exhibition depicting the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh as part of the Veer Bal Divas observances this year.

    Young visitors to the Veer Bal Divas speak with Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama (Photo : Jay Mandal/On Assignment)

    The exhibition showcased a poignant collection of paintings portraying the courage, steadfast faith, and ultimate sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas—Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh—who were bricked alive at Sirhind for refusing to convert to Islam. The artworks, rendered in diverse styles, vividly captured the historical tragedy as well as the timeless values of bravery, sacrifice, and resistance to oppression.

    The exhibition drew a steady stream of visitors from the Indian diaspora and the wider community. Among the prominent visitors was the Gatka team led by Sardar Daler Singh, whose presence underscored the living martial and spiritual traditions inspired by Sikh history. Members of the Gatka team spent considerable time viewing the artworks and interacting with organizers, appreciating the role of visual art in educating younger generations about the legacy of the Sahibzadas.

    Consulate officials noted that exhibitions such as these serve as a powerful medium to connect history with contemporary audiences, especially youth born and raised overseas. “Through paintings, history speaks directly to the heart,” an official observed, adding that the annual exhibition has become an integral part of the Consulate’s Veer Bal Divas programming.

    Veer Baal Diwas photo exhibit organized at the Indian Consulate in New York City. (Photo : Jay Mandal/On Assignment)

    Visitors described the exhibition as moving and educative, praising the Consulate’s effort to blend remembrance with cultural outreach. The exhibition reinforced the message that the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas remains a universal symbol of moral courage, religious freedom, and the triumph of conscience over coercion.

    Speaking on the occasion, Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan recalled the defining moment in Sikh history when the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh chose death over submission, standing firm in their beliefs despite severe coercion. “Their martyrdom is not merely a Sikh legacy; it is a universal testament to courage, conscience, and the inviolable right to faith,” he said, adding that Veer Bal Divas is observed to inspire younger generations to uphold ethical values and moral courage in the face of injustice.

    Consul, Community Affairs, Tsewang Gyaltson welcomed the visitors to the photo exhibition and answered their questions about the photo exhibits.

    Addressing the gathering, a former President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana in New York, Sardar Daler Singh movingly narrated the inspiring story of the Sahibzadas, highlighting their exceptional courage, unwavering faith, and fearless defiance of oppression despite their tender age. He said the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh remains one of the most powerful examples of moral strength and spiritual resilience in world history, and continues to inspire generations of Sikhs to stand by truth and righteousness.

    A particularly heartening aspect of the event was the enthusiastic participation of young boys and girls who had accompanied Sardar Daler Singh. Several of them engaged in thoughtful interaction with Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama, sharing their understanding of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas and reflecting on the lessons of bravery, sacrifice, and faith they had drawn from the exhibition and the narrations.

  • Indian Consulate in New York Celebrates Veer Baal Diwas

    An Impressive Exhibition of Pictures Narrates the Story of Valor and Martyrdom of Sahibzada Zoravar Singh & Sahibzada Fateh Singh

    Sahibzada Zorawar Singh aged 9 and Sahibzada Fateh Singh aged 7, the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the founder of the Khalsa Panth, were bricked alive on December 28, 1704 on the orders of Wazir Khan, the Mughal faujdar of Sirhind, for refusing to renounce their faith and embrace Islam. (Photos / Jay Mandal-on assignment)

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): An exhibition highlighting the valor and sacrifices of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh aged 9 and Sahibzada Fateh Singh aged 7, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, was organized at the Indian Consulate here on Veer Baal Diwas. The exhibition on Thursday, December 26 on Veer Bal Diwas was to “commemorate the extraordinary valor and unparalleled sacrifices” made by ‘Veer Sahibzadas’, sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

    Visitors to the exhibition
    Gatka display by students of Akal Gatka

    Around 10 Sikh young kids from the Akal Gatka Group headed by Sardar Daler Singh, a former President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Sikh Center, New York, gave a thrilling display of Gatka- the traditional Sikh martial art. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph described the valor of the Young Sahibzadas as unparalleled in the annals of human history. He had a word of appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who decided in 2022 to observe the Veer Baal Diwas to commemorate the valor and martyrdom of the Sahibzadas. “It (celebration of Veer Baal Diwas) is a befitting tribute to Guru Gobind Singh ji, a befitting tribute to all the Gurus and to the community as well”.

    “May the spirit of this day guide us in our lives as we go ahead. And may the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib always show us the right path forward”, Mr Jeph added.

    Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Saluja narrated the story of the valor and the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas and appealed to his community to ensure that the rich Sikh values are promoted among the Sikh youth. Prof. Saluja thanked the Consulate for organizing the historic Day.

    Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph related the story of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas and said there was no parallel to the valor of the Sahibzadas.

    Sardar Daler Singh thanked the Deputy Consul General for organizing the event and said his Gatka group would soon come back to give a display of Gatka at the Consulate. He appealed to the Sikh community to promote the rich Sikh values and be prepared always to make any sacrifice for the motherland. Earlier, the Deputy Consul General gave certificates of appreciation to Gatka participants. He also presented shawls to Sardar Daler Singh and Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja as a token of appreciation for their services. A large number of members from the Indian-American community attended the event to pay their homage and tributes to the ‘Veer Sahibzadas’.

    Prof. Indrajit S Saluja pleaded with the Sikh community to promote the rich values of the Sikh religion among kids.
    Sardar Daler Singh, Gatka trainer and President of Akal Gatka thanked the Deputy Consul General for inviting the Gaka group and honoring them.
    A view of the gathering.
    Gatka boys with Deputy Consul General, Consulate staff and the guests (All photos by Ashish Chandratreya)

  • An Unparalleled Sacrifice in History

    On the Martyrdom of the Four Sons of Guru Gobind Singh

    By Prof. Indrajit S Saluja
    Prof. Indrajit S Saluja

    The history of the world bears testimony to countless acts of bravery and sacrifice, but few compare to the monumental story of Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, and the ultimate sacrifice of his four young sons—Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. Their martyrdom is not only an integral part of Sikh history but a chapter of unparalleled valor and commitment to righteousness in human history.

    Guru Gobind Singh, the founder of the Khalsa in 1699, envisioned a faith rooted in equality, justice, and the fight against tyranny. Living in a time of severe oppression under Mughal rule, Guru Gobind Singh sought to instill courage and a sense of identity in his followers. The Khalsa, with its distinctive identity and unyielding commitment to justice, emerged as a force against injustice and a beacon of hope for the oppressed. The creation of the Khalsa marked a revolutionary moment in history, but it also drew the ire of tyrannical rulers who sought to crush this growing resistance.

    Guru Gobind Singh’s life was a saga of relentless battles and unwavering resolve. His personal sacrifices were profound—he became the only figure in history to offer his entire family, including his four sons, for the cause of righteousness. The heartbreaking story of his sons, who faced death with unparalleled bravery, stands as a testament to their faith, principles, and courage.

    The two elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (18 years old) and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (14 years old), embraced martyrdom during the Battle of Chamkaur in December 1704. Outnumbered by the Mughal forces, they stood firm alongside their father and other brave warriors. Despite the overwhelming odds, Sahibzada Ajit Singh led the Khalsa soldiers into battle with extraordinary valor. When he fell, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh took up the mantle, fearlessly plunging into the battlefield to uphold the honor of the Khalsa.

    Their sacrifices exemplified unwavering faith and the courage to stand against injustice, inspiring generations of Sikhs to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.

    While Guru Gobind Singh and his elder sons faced battle, his two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (9 years old) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (7 years old), were captured along with their grandmother, Mata Gujri, by Mughal forces. Imprisoned at the fort of Sirhind, they were subjected to immense psychological pressure to renounce their faith and convert to Islam. Despite their tender age, the young Sahibzadas displayed an unshakable commitment to their beliefs.

    On December 26, 1704, when they refused to abandon their Sikh faith, the tyrannical Mughal governor Wazir Khan ordered them to be bricked alive. This inhuman punishment shocked the conscience of all who heard of it. Even as the bricks enclosed them, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh recited Sikh prayers and remained resolute in their faith, demonstrating courage far beyond their years. Their martyrdom stands as a poignant reminder of the ultimate price they paid for their principles.

    The martyrdom of the Sahibzadas is commemorated annually as Veer Bal Divas (The Brave Children’s Day) on December 26. This day serves as a moment of reflection and reverence for their bravery and the values they upheld. It is a day to remember not only their sacrifices but also the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, who believed in unwavering commitment to righteousness: Shubh Karman te Kabahon na Taron (Never turn away from righteous deeds).

    Guru Gobind Singh’s life and the sacrifices of his family remind us of the cost of freedom and justice. They exemplify the highest ideals of humanity—courage, selflessness, and steadfastness in the face of tyranny.

    In an age where principles often waver under pressure, the story of Guru Gobind Singh and his sons serves as a beacon of inspiration. Their sacrifices remind us to stand firm in the face of injustice, to uphold the values of equality and freedom, and to remain committed to righteous causes, no matter the personal cost.

    As we remember the Sahibzadas on Veer Bal Divas, let us pledge to honor their legacy by embodying their values in our own lives. Their story is not just a part of Sikh history—it is a universal testament to the triumph of the human spirit against oppression, a chapter in history that will forever inspire generations to come.

  • Indian Consulate in New York organizes Photo Exhibition to showcase valor of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons on Veer Bal Diwas

    Indian Consulate in New York organizes Photo Exhibition to showcase valor of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons on Veer Bal Diwas

    Visitors to the exhibition ( Photos : Jay Mandal- on assignment)

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): An exhibition highlighting the valor and sacrifices of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh aged 9 and Sahibzada Fateh Singh aged 7, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, was organized at the Indian Consulate here on Veer Bal Diwas. The exhibition on Tuesday, December 26 on Veer Bal Diwas was to “commemorate the extraordinary valor and unparalleled sacrifices” made by ‘Veer Sahibzadas’, sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, a press release from the mission said.

    “Honoring the exemplary courage and immortal sacrifice of Veer Sahibzaade, proud sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji,” the Consulate said in a post on X, adding that it hosted an “exhibition on the occasion of #VeerBaalDiwas, paying our tributes to the Bravehearts with unparalleled courage”. A large number of members from the Indian-American community attended the event to pay their homage and tributes to the ‘Veer Sahibzade’. The Consulate said that on the request of a local gurdwara priest and as a mark of respect, the exhibition would be displayed at the Consulate premises through December 28.

    Acting Consul General of India in New York Dr. Varun Jeph partakes of langar with others at Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana in Queens, New York where he had gone to pay obeisance to the Veer Sahibzadas on ‘Veer Bal Diwas’. Seen in the picture, from L to R: Consul, Community Affairs Vijaykrishnan, a former President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Himat Singh Sarpanch, Acting Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, The Indian Panorama editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, a former president of the Gurdwara Gurmej Singh. Sukhjinder Singh, General Secretary of the Gurdwara is seen serving langar. (Photo : PTI)

    The exhibition will also be showcased at gurdwaras in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

    Earlier in the day, Acting Consul General of India in New York Varun Jeph visited the Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana in Queens and paid obeisance to the Veer Sahibzade.

    He was joined by members of the gurdwara’s executive committee and local sangat in performing ardas and kirtan. He also joined the community members for langar at the gurdwara.

    Special videos on Veer Bal Diwas are also being showcased at the gurdwara for young students attending winter camps there. The Consulate General of India in Houston also observed Veer Bal Diwas, “a day commemorating the valor and martyrdom of young heroes, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Sahibzade. A photo exhibition showcased their courage and resilience”.

    The Indian Embassy in the US said in a post on X, “Shaheedi Samagam was held at Brookfield Gurdwara, Wisconsin. Leading Sikh and Indian American leaders along with senior Embassy officials participated.”

    The Indian Embassy added, “A fitting tribute was given to the exemplary courage and sacrifice of ‘sahibzadas’ of Guru Gobind Singh marking #VeerBaalDiwas.”
    (With inputs from PTI)

    The Consulate staff with visitors to the Exhibition (Photo/ Jay Mandal- on assignment)

  • Honoring the Unparalleled Sacrifice of Sahibzadas: A Historic Time for the Sikh Community

    As December unfolds, the Sikh community commemorates a pivotal chapter in their history, a poignant moment that resonates with the spirit of sacrifice and valor. These upcoming days hold profound significance, marking the tribute to the supreme and unparalleled martyrdom of Sahibzadas, the revered sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Their sacrifice remains etched in the annals of time, an indelible testament to unwavering faith and unparalleled bravery.

    The legacy of Sahibzadas—Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh—echoes through generations, inspiring millions with their unyielding commitment to righteousness and fearlessness. Their story isn’t just a chapter in history; it is a beacon of courage that continues to guide and uplift humanity.

    Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, imbued his sons with principles of valor, selflessness, and devotion to justice. During a tumultuous period, these young souls fearlessly embraced their father’s teachings, standing unwavering against tyranny and oppression. Their sacrifice wasn’t merely a loss for the Sikh community; it was a profound statement against injustice and tyranny.

    The commemoration of their martyrdom is not just an event but a spiritual journey for Sikhs worldwide. It’s a time for reflection, introspection, and rekindling the values that Sahibzadas exemplified. Their unwavering commitment to their faith and principles, even in the face of extreme adversity, remains an awe-inspiring tale of courage and resilience.

    Sahibzadas’ sacrifice wasn’t confined to their individual selves; it symbolized a larger struggle for righteousness and freedom. Their unwavering resolve in upholding truth and righteousness against oppressive forces serves as an eternal reminder of the fight against injustice.

    In commemorating their sacrifice, the Sikh community gathers in prayer, reflection, and service, reinforcing the teachings espoused by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It’s a time not only to honor their martyrdom but to emulate their virtues in everyday life—selflessness, bravery, and unwavering commitment to truth.

    The stories of Sahibzadas’ martyrdom transcend religious boundaries, serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Their sacrifice is a beacon of hope, inspiring people worldwide to stand up against injustice and uphold the values of righteousness and compassion.

    As the Sikh community observes these historic days, it’s a reminder to humanity of the need for unity, compassion, and courage in the face of challenges. It’s a time to remember that the spirit of sacrifice and righteousness, exemplified by Sahibzadas, remains eternally relevant and serves as a guiding light for all.

    In essence, the commemoration of Sahibzadas’ supreme sacrifice isn’t just a historical event—it’s a timeless narrative of valor and selflessness that resonates with the core of human existence. It’s a reminder that their martyrdom shall forever remain etched in the collective consciousness, urging generations to uphold truth, justice, and humanity above all.

    As we pay tribute to the unparalleled martyrdom of Sahibzadas, let us ensure their legacy lives on by embodying their teachings and perpetuating their ideals of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith in the pursuit of righteousness.