Rename Veer Bal Diwas to Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas: Punjab MP to Modi

“Sikh institutions, including Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have consistently advocated for this change through formal communications to the Prime Minister in 2023 and longstanding resolutions dating back to 1934,” he wrote. Ignoring these sentiments risks alienating a community whose contributions to India’s freedom and unity are forged in blood and valour, “like the bricks entombing the young martyrs in Sirhind”.

“I stand in resolute solidarity with the Sikh Panth’s collective conscience, urging the Union government to act forthwith. Let this be a testament to our shared commitment to cultural sensitivity and historical justice,” Kang said.

Kang said he will raise this issue resolutely during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

Rajya Sabha member and noted environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal also urged the Union government to rename the Veer Bal Diwas as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas.

I strongly support the directive issued by Akal Takht Sahib’s Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj Ji.@J_SriAkalTakht ,
In this spirit, I have written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India @narendramodi ji ,urging the Union Government to immediately rename ‘Veer Bal Divas’… pic.twitter.com/l4VpOcCcv1

— Malvinder Singh Kang (@kang_malvinder) December 9, 2025

In his letter, Seechewal appreciated the Centre’s 2022 decision to commemorate the martyrdom of the four Sahibzades by observing Veer Bal Diwas. He said it was a “commendable recognition of the unparalleled sacrifices” made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

However, Seechewal drew attention to appeals made by various Sikh organisations. He said the Akal Takht Sahib had asked MPs from Punjab to raise the issue and request a change in the name of the observance.

Seechewal wrote that the Sikh community holds deep emotional and religious attachment to the term Sahibzade Shahadat, and renaming the day accordingly would more accurately reflect the sanctity and historical significance of their martyrdom.

“I respectfully request that, in consideration of the religious sentiments of the Sikh community, the name of the day be corrected to ‘Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’ before the martyrdom anniversary arrives…” his letter said.

The MP also expressed hope that the government would positively consider the request and issue necessary directions ahead of the upcoming observance.

The demand also aligns with the December 4 pronouncement by acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj.

(With PTI inputs)