Martyrdom Day to be observed as "Veer Bal Diwas" across India, says Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

New Delhi [India], December 12 : Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday recalled the valour and courage of Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, who accepted death to protect their faith and religion, as he announced the annual nationwide celebrations of "Veer Bal Diwas" on the occasion of Martyrdom Day.
The Government of India has decided to observe the Martyrdom Day as Veer Baal Diwas at the national level to honour the sacrifice of Sahibzadas, he said.
Speaking to the reporters, Shekhawat reminisced about the sacrifice of various great leaders, who inspired generations to protect the nation's honour at all costs. He said that those brave soldiers left an indelible mark on their descendants to be proud of them and their lineage.
"There have been many such personalities in the history of India who, with their efforts, valour, and sacrifices, made the nation proud... They made sure their descendants can get inspired by their sacrifices, and can be proud of the fact that we are the sons of India, we are the children of India, and we are the descendants of those great people..." he said.
Furthermore, the Union Minister recalled how men, women, and children fought against the atrocious invaders during the pre-independence struggle.
"There have been many such people, from small children to elders, and the women of the country have done great deeds and sacrificed for this country... For thousands of years, against the atrocities of India's invaders, the attacks on women, against the British during slavery, many people in India have established a continuous tradition of sacrifice to preserve the honour of India's civilisation and culture..." he stated.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh's Sahibzadas, who were merely 10 years old when they accepted death to preserve their religion and faith.
"In that sequence, a very important and inspiring sacrifice was made by the Sahibzadas of our Guru Gobind Singh... The sons of Guru Sahib... Those brave Sahibzadas were aged less than 10 years... They, along with lakhs of people, accepted to be killed in the battlefield to protect their religion and faith..." he said.
Shekhawat paid tribute to the Shaibzadas as he announced that the government has decided to observe Martyrdom Day as "Veer Bal Diwas" to honour those Sahibzadas, who inspired millions of people to understand their national responsibility.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has decided to celebrate Martyrdom Day nationally as 'Veer Bal Diwas' to honour the invaluable sacrifice of those brave sons and to inspire future generations of the nation to take inspiration from their duty towards society, nation and culture...The day celebrates those brave heroes with programmes held at thousands of places across the country.... I offer my heartfelt tributes and salute the martyrdom of those brave children," he stated.