The Indian Minorities Federation (IMF) commemorated Veer Bal Diwas at the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Dubai, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the younger sons of the tenth Sikh leader, Guru Gobind Singh.
Veer Bal Diwas, established by PM Modi in 2022, commemorates the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, who stood firm against tyranny. The day serves as a national inspiration for resilience, unity, and youth empowerment, resonating with Indian communities worldwide.
The event paid tribute to the Chhote Sahibzadas (as they are affectionately called), whose martyrdom at the ages of 7 and 9 has inspired generations with their courage and resilience.
Prominent dignitaries, including Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu, and Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple, joined Sikh community leaders, members of the Indian diaspora, and international communities in paying homage.
Addressing the gathering, Sandhu praised the declaration of Veer Bal Diwas as a milestone in preserving India’s cultural heritage. “This initiative is a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to connecting youth with India's rich legacy and inspiring them to contribute to a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
The IMF also conferred the Veer Bal Diwas Bravery Awards on 15 children from the Indian diaspora, representing diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The awardees, including nine boys and six girls from Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and Jain communities, were recognized for embodying the values of unity and resilience.
Surender Singh Kandhari highlighted the significance of the event in bridging the past with the future. “By observing Veer Bal Diwas, PM Modi has connected today’s youth with the supreme sacrifice of the Chhote Sahibzadas. This observance serves as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve India’s culture and heritage while supporting its growth,” he remarked.
The event featured ceremonial prayers (Ardaas), Kirtan performances, and a Langar service, fostering a sense of unity among attendees. Members of the Indian diaspora in the UAE expressed their pride in honoring the legacy of the Chhote Sahibzadas and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s progress.
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