Amritsar —Punjab BJP Spokesperson and Sikh thinker Professor Sarchand Singh Khayala has described the writing of a letter to the Punjab MPs by Akali Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj of Shri Akal Takht Sahib regarding ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ as an open admission of the political incompetence of the Shiromani Committee and the Akali leadership.
He said that there was a time when the Shiromani Committee and the Akali leadership used to be so strong that even governments would shake at their signal. But today the situation is such that even the Jathedar himself has to resort to the MPs of Punjab to fulfill the political objectives of the Akalis.
Prof. Expressing surprise, Khayla said that it is very strange for a person who has become a Jathedar to offend the sectarian sentiments by flouting dignity due to political pressures. He urged that the atmosphere should not be muddied and the facts should be clearly understood that the strong demand to observe the martyrdom of Sahibzada on a national level as Children’s Day has been raised by the Sikh community itself for a long time.
He recalled that the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee under the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal organized a national seminar on 17 January 2018 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in which Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Minister Smriti Irani were the chief guests. On that stage, it was openly advocated to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzada as ‘Children’s Day’ at the national level. In this program, Delhi Committee President Manjit Singh G.K., General Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Akali MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, former VC Dr. Many Akali leaders including Jaspal Singh, former chairman of the National Commission for Minorities Tarlochan Singh were present.
As far as sect acceptance is concerned, ‘Children’s Day’ is celebrated on 14th November every year. In such a situation, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 9 January 2022 on the occasion of Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji’s Prakash Parv that 26 December will be celebrated as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ in memory of the martyrdom of Sahibzada, Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht present at Takht Shri Harimandir ji Patna Sahib, put this message in front of the Sangat and the Sangat welcomed this decision with cheers.
Prof. Khayla said that name change may be considered, but purely political motives are active behind the sudden objections raised after the Akali-BJP alliance broke up. “Sahibzade was Baba, not Baal”—this argument is also inconsistent, because his martyrdom took place as a child. If the word ‘Baal’ diminishes the respect of Sahibzada, then should we forget that even today Guru Harikrishna Ji Maharaj is worshiped as ‘Bala Pritam’?
Giving several references to the use of the word ‘child’ in Guru Sahiban and history, he clarified that the word ‘child’ does not detract from any respect, rather it highlights the incomparable sacrifices made at that innocent age.
If there is some kind of lack of respect of the Sahibzadas from the word ‘child’, then we should not forget that Satiguru Sri Guru Harikrishna Ji Maharaj is still ‘Bala Pritam’ for the entire Sangat.
Words like ‘Bala Pritam’ and ‘Baal Gobind Rai’ are also written while describing the child condition of Shri Dashmesh Pitara. If we talk about the historical evidence in the context of Sahibzadas, Bhai Dana Singh writes in clear words in Katha Guru ke Sutan ki-
“When the child is called, then send it to the court”.
In which the word ‘Bal’ has been used for Sahibzadas.
Similarly, there are many Gurudwaras named ‘Bala Sahib’ in the holy memory of Satiguru.
Bhai Gurdas ji, while describing the life-character of Guru Nanak Dev ji, gives historical evidence that Siddha-Jogi used to address Guru Nanak Dev ji as ‘Bala’—
“Akhn Sidh, listen to me, tell me your name.”
This mention is also found in Janamsakhi—
“Listen to Siddh Puchan, girl, who brought you here.”
Not only this, Guru Nanak Dev himself also accepts being addressed as ‘Bale’ by the Siddhas in his discourses—
“Kah Baisahu Kahe Rahai Bale, Kah Avhu Kahe Jaho.”
And
“Bole Nanak heard you child.”
Thus it is clear that the word ‘child’ does not detract from the glory or honor of the Sahibzadas, but rather highlights the extraordinary and unique martyrdom given by them in that innocent, tender childhood.
Prof. Khayla said that Akali Dal and Shiromani Committee should not make ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ a controversial issue and try to confuse the sect to hide their political failure. While Gurmat ideology teaches harmony, it also gives the message of patience and perseverance against tyranny. Therefore, it is necessary today to convey the wonderful martyrdom of Sahibzada to every corner of the world.
He said that establishing the honor of Sahibzada at the national level is not a politics, but a national tribute to martyrdom. In three centuries no government has taken such a step as Prime Minister Modi has taken. He has introduced the country to the martyrdom of Sahibzada. This will strengthen the Sikh identity and the Khalsa tradition of valor.
He said that those who are irritated by the respect of Sahibzadas are not worthy to be called Sikhs. Weighing this noble effort of Prime Minister Modi on the scales of hatred and creating unnecessary controversy is sheer ingratitude. We should promote it so that the Prime Minister gets motivated to take more strong decisions in the interest of Sikhism.
He said that we should be proud that the message of Guru ke Lalon ki Shahadat is now reaching every corner of India through this pious effort of the Prime Minister, Veer Bal Diwas.