The call to rename ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ has once again gained momentum as Sikh scholars, community leaders, and diaspora organisations have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the title in accordance with Sikh history and sentiments. While the government instituted Veer Bal Diwas to commemorate the martyrdom of the Sahibzade—the four sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji—many Sikhs feel that the terminology used does not fully reflect the sacred, unparalleled and spiritually elevated sacrifice made by the Sahibzade and Mata Gujri Ji.
For the Sikh community, the martyrdom at Sirhind is not merely a tale of bravery but an unmatched expression of shahadat rooted in spiritual conviction, resistance to tyranny, and the defence of dharam. The Sahibzade—Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, and the two younger Sahibzade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji—are honoured in Sikh tradition with the highest reverence. Many Sikh organisations argue that using the word “Bal” (child) in the national commemoration day does not capture their stature as martyrs of dharam and warriors of truth, whose actions continue to inspire millions across the world.
Community bodies have recommended alternative names such as “Shahidi Diwas of the Sahibzade”, “Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas”, or “Sikh Martyrs Remembrance Day”, emphasising that the terminology should be in harmony with Sikh heritage. They maintain that such a change would not only respect Sikh sentiments but also educate the broader nation about the depth of Sikh history and the ethos of sacrifice embedded in it.
Diaspora groups, especially from Canada, the UK, and the US, have also expressed that renaming the day would strengthen social harmony and foster a more accurate representation of Sikh contributions to India’s moral and cultural fabric. They highlight that the Sikh community has always stood by the nation, and acknowledging their history with authenticity would reinforce trust and inclusiveness.
Those urging the PM further argue that governmental recognition should reflect the language and emotions by which the Sikh community traditionally venerates its martyrs. The Sahibzade are not just symbolic of youthful bravery—they represent unshakable faith and immortal courage. A respectful renaming, therefore, is seen as a step toward aligning the national narrative with the long-established Sikh perspective.
In the coming months, Sikh organisations are expected to intensify their communication with the government, hoping that Prime Minister Modi will consider this sentiment-driven request. For them, renaming the day is not a political demand but a matter of cultural fidelity, historical accuracy, and deep emotional significance.