Five reasons why Akal Takht Sahib and SGPC are not happy with Centre’s ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ nomenclature

While ‘rejecting’ Veer Bal Diwas being observed by the Centre, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami appealed to the Sikhs to be aware of the ‘government's conspiracy of undermining Sikh history'

Written by: Kamaldeep Singh Brar

4 min readAmritsarUpdated: Dec 27, 2022 07:15 AM IST

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami. (PTI)

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Five reasons why Akal Takht Sahib and SGPC are not happy with Centre’s ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ nomenclature

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To mark the martyrdom days of the younger sons of the 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh—Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, 7, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, 9—the Centre issued a notification to observe ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ on December 26 every year.

On January 9, 2022, on the occasion of Prakash Gurpurb of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced to mark ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ starting this year on December 26, dedicated to the martyrdom day of the younger Sahibzadas.

The Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, and the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) are not happy with the nomenclature ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ by the Union government. On Sunday, while ‘rejecting’ Veer Bal Diwas being observed by the Centre, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami appealed to the Sikhs to be aware of the ‘government’s conspiracy of undermining Sikh history.’

Read | SAD urges PM to rename Veer Bal Diwas to Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas

In a statement, Dham said, “The Government of India is on the path of concocting Sikh history and it is unfortunate that the president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) is supporting this. Going against the traditions of the Sikh community, observing the martyrdom day of Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas by the Government of India is a mischievous conspiracy to undermine the greatest martyrdom and valuable heritage in the world’s religious history.”

Responding to the allegations, BJP leader Manjit Singh Sirsa tweeted, “It is a widely accepted & admitted fact that no government has done as much as the @NarendraModi Government to preserve, protect & propagate the rich culture & heritage of Sikhism. From the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to bringing back the Guru Granth Sahib, we’ll let facts speak!”

Explained | The valour of the Chhote Sahibzaade, and PM Modi’s political outreach to Punjab

Here are five reasons why the Akal Takht and SGPC are not happy with the nomenclature:

1. After the Centre’s notification, the Akal Takht Sahib took cognizance and formed a committee of Sikh scholars to discuss the ‘objectionable nomenclature’ given to Sahibzadas’ martyrdom day. Following the recommendation of the committee, the Akal Takht Sahib recommended the nomenclature as ‘Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’, instead of Veer Bal Diwas. The Union government didn’t respond to the recommendation.

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2. The Executive of SGPC passed a resolution in this regard on October 11 this year requesting the Centre to change the nomenclature from Veer Bal Diwas to Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas. “It is submitted to your good self that in light of the above facts, the GOI should issue a notification amending the name given to martyrdom day as per our recommendation and issue necessary guidelines to all the concerned to mark the day as “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’. Looking for your timely consideration and necessary action,” read the resolution. The Union government didn’t consider this resolution.

Also Read | Dal Khalsa asks Sikhs not to take part in functions under ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ banner

3. Akal Takht and SGPC have said limiting the martyrdom of younger Sahibzadas to ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ is not fitting to the sentiment of their martyrdoms and Sikh traditions. In view of Sikh history, doctrines, and traditions, the incomparable sacrifices of the Sahibzadas of the Dasven Patshah (tenth Guru) are like those of great warriors.

4. In Sikh history, the Sahibzadas are honoured with the word ‘Baba’ (term of respect for holy men) while referring to them and the criterion for giving nomenclature should be Sikh history, Gurbani, Sikh doctrine, and beliefs, they said.

5. SGPC is of the view the community’s traditions, beliefs, and concerns are very unique and incomparable, therefore, any decision related to them should be taken on the orders from the Akal Takht Sahib and the Union government shouldn’t take any such decision unilaterally.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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