Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the occasion of 'Veer Bal Diwas' symbolises going to any extend for the protection of "Bharatiyata". Speaking at the event in Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister said that the country celebrated December 26 as 'Veer Bal Diwas' for the first time.
"Veer Bal Diwas is the symbol of going to any extent for the protection of Bharatiyata," said the PM.
"This year America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, UAE and Greece organised programmes related to 'Veer Bal Diwas'...Today when we are proud of our heritage, the world has started looking at us differently...Today's India has confidence in its own people, potential and inspirations..."
Veer Bal Diwas is observed to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Sing, the tenth guru of Sikhism.
Guru Gobind Singh had four sons -- Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Jorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh. On this day, in 17th century, Jorawar and Fateh Singh were martyred after Guru Gobind Singh's disciples were attacked near Sirsa river.
Veer Bal Diwas is being celebrated in different countries where the Sikh community thanked PM Modi.
"He (PM Modi) has done a lot for us (Sikh community). He removed GST from langar. I thank him..." said Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, a businessman in the USA.
Amar Singh Bhullar, Founder and MD of Hamdard Media Group in Canada said, “We thank PM Narendra Modi as he has declared a holiday on Veer Bal Diwas. I thank him on behalf of the Canadian Sikh community..."