Photos of the event, which were shared on the school’s social media, sparked outrage.

Amritsar, December 26, 2024: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has condemned the portrayal of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the younger Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, during an event organized under the Centre Government’s Veer Bal Diwas program at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Payyanur, Kerala.

Advocate Dhami expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing that such imitations are inappropriate, especially when the Sikh community is observing the martyrdom days of the Sahibzadas. He stated, “The depiction of the younger Sahibzadas in this manner is not aligned with Sikh principles and deeply hurts the sentiments of the Sikh community.”

Photos of the event, which were shared on the school’s social media, sparked outrage. Following objections raised by the SGPC, the school removed the images. However, Dhami asserted that the Centre must take concrete steps to prevent such occurrences nationwide.

He called upon the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Women and Child Development, and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to ensure that future observances related to the Sahibzadas adhere to Sikh principles and history.

Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhami reiterated that the title Veer Bal Diwas, given to commemorate the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, has not been accepted by the SGPC, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, or other prominent Sikh institutions. He urged the government to adopt the name Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas, as recommended by the SGPC, and issue an updated gazette notification.

“The younger Sahibzadas achieved unparalleled martyrdom with courage at a tender age. As per Sikh principles, they are honored with the term ‘Baba.’ The government must respect this sentiment,” Dhami stated.