Delhi on Thursday stood united in remembrance and reverence as the Delhi Government marked Veer Bal Diwas with a grand and emotionally charged commemoration, paying tribute to the unparalleled martyrdom, courage and moral strength of the Sahibzadas — the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The day-long observances served not only as a tribute to history, but as a reaffirmation of India’s civilisational values of faith, sacrifice and resistance against injustice.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta led the state-level tribute by participating in the national commemorative programme held at Thyagaraj Stadium, where she bowed in homage to the Sahibzadas and described Veer Bal Diwas as “a living inspiration rather than a ceremonial remembrance.” She said the day represents a collective national resolve to instil courage, self-respect, patriotism and moral fortitude among India’s youth.
“India has always been a land of bravery and sacrifice. The Sahibzadas displayed extraordinary courage and unwavering faith at an age when children usually know only play and innocence. Their sacrifice remains unmatched in world history,” the Chief Minister said, addressing a packed gathering of students, educators, citizens and dignitaries.
The event was attended by Education Minister Ashish Sood, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, , senior government officials and a large number of schoolchildren. A special booklet on the life and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and a commemorative postal cover, released in collaboration with the Department of Posts, were unveiled on the occasion.
The programme blended tradition with modern storytelling. Gatka performances by school students, a 270-degree immersive projection, student-created digital reels and a powerful musical performance by the Shillong Chamber Choir brought alive the saga of valour and sacrifice. The Chief Minister noted that such creative platforms are essential to connect the younger generation emotionally with India’s heroic past.
Veer Bal Diwas Across Delhi: From Classrooms to Campuses
The observance of Veer Bal Diwas extended far beyond a single venue. Across Delhi, government, aided and private schools, along with colleges and universities, organised a wide spectrum of activities including drawing and painting competitions, storytelling sessions, debates, essays, poetry, sports events, digital presentations and fitness programmes. Themes revolved around bravery, nation-building, moral courage and the role of children in shaping a developed India.
At the higher education level, rallies, slogan-writing, group discussions and knowledge-based competitions were held. Select institutions also undertook professional documentation through podcasts, reel-making and storytelling projects, capturing students’ reflections on the life and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas in the presence of senior ministers.
Purana Qila Illuminated with the Saga of Sacrifice
As night fell, Purana Qila became the canvas for a spectacular laser and light show, narrating the heroic saga of the Sahibzadas through sound, visuals and narration. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said such presentations are powerful tools to communicate history in a way that resonates deeply with young minds. “Our aim is to foster national pride, moral courage and civic values by presenting these sacrifices in a form that leaves a lasting impression,” she said.
‘This Is the Saga of India’s Soul’: Education Minister Ashish Sood
Education Minister Ashish Sood described Veer Bal Diwas as a long-overdue public acknowledgment of India’s suppressed historical consciousness. “The courage and martyrdom of the Sahibzadas are not the legacy of one community; they are the saga of India’s soul — a soul that stands with truth and refuses to compromise with injustice,” he said.
He questioned why such heroic narratives were marginalised for decades after Independence, attributing it to a “Macaulayan mindset” that disconnected generations from their roots. He said the declaration of Veer Bal Diwas by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 was not symbolic, but an ideological shift — a decision to draw strength from India’s history rather than shy away from it.
‘A Beacon for Generations’: Manjinder Singh Sirsa
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa termed the national recognition of Veer Bal Diwas a historic step that would guide generations to come. The martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, he said, stands as a moral beacon for children and youth across India.
“The sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family form an immortal chapter in the protection of India’s soul. From Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to all four Sahibzadas, this legacy of standing against oppression will be remembered for centuries,” Sirsa said, adding that the Delhi Government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is committed to carrying this legacy to the masses through dignified and inclusive programmes.
As Delhi commemorated Veer Bal Diwas with solemnity and pride, the message was unmistakable — the courage of the Sahibzadas is not confined to history books, but lives on as a guiding force for a confident, values-driven and fearless
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