It was the SGPC which asked the Union Government not to designate the occasion as “Veer Bal Diwas” on Sunday, one day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend the Veer Bal Diwas program in Delhi on Monday.
The SGPC called on the Sikh community around the world to observe Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas in opposition to the BJP-led Centre’s move.
According to Sikh bodies, any decision regarding Sikh Gurus and their family members should be made by the Akal Takht based on Sikh philosophy.
As Sahibzadas are called Babas and not Bals (children), calling the martyrdom day Veer Bal Diwas is against Sikh philosophy.
As their sacrifice was enormous, calling them children diminishes their tall stature.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami warned the sangat against the government’s “tricks and moves” to destroy Sikh history and heritage.
Harmeet Singh Kalka, president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), was conniving with the government, he said. It was “distorting” the Sikh heritage, he said, and he urged DSGMC to stop the event.
If the government really wishes to pay homage to Sahibzade, what’s wrong with celebrating the occasion as ‘Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’?
A committee of Sikh scholars had proposed the name ‘Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’ on the instructions of the Akal Takht, but Narendra Modi ignored it.
