Amritsar<\/p>\n
(\u00a0 Justice news)<\/p>\n
Responding to the controversy triggered by statements made by former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President and Akali leader S. Manjit Singh G.K. regarding his own role and that of Shiromani Akali Dal President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal on observing the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas as \u201cBal Diwas\u201d, and in reply to the legal threats issued by him over the disclosures made by BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawala, Punjab BJP spokesperson Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala today placed relevant newspaper reports of a Delhi event before the public to present factual clarity.
\nHe also challenged Sukhbir Singh Badal to clearly explain his role in the matter.
\nProf. Khiala stated that S. Manjit Singh G.K. is otherwise regarded as a mature religious and political leader, but unfortunately, prolonged association with Sukhbir Singh Badal appears to have influenced him into adopting the habit of denying past actions.<\/p>\n
Prof. Khiala said that on January 16, 2018, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee organised a national seminar at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, dedicated to the divine martyrdom of the Sahibzadas. At that time, S. Manjit Singh G.K. was the President of DSGMC. The seminar was attended by Shiromani Akali Dal President and then Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, and Union Minister Smriti Irani as chief guests.
\nHe pointed out that the seminar received extensive media coverage on January 17, 2018, including reports in The Tribune by journalist Syed Ali Ahmed and in Ajit by journalist S. Jagtar Singh.
\nThe lead report in The Tribune explicitly mentioned that DSGMC had decided to recommend to the Government that the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas be observed as \u2018Bal Diwas\u2019. Media coverage prominently highlighted the advocacy of \u2018Bal Diwas\u2019, yet neither S. Manjit Singh G.K. nor DSGMC ever issued any clarification or denial\u2014then or later.<\/p>\n
Prof. Khiala further said that photographs published at the time clearly show Manjit Singh G.K. present at the event, jointly honouring Union Minister Smriti Irani alongside S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, with the backdrop banner clearly displaying \u201cDelhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee,\u201d further establishing factual authenticity.
\nAddressing objections raised over the use of the word \u2018Bal\u2019 in reference to the Sahibzadas, Prof. Khiala responded with references from Sikh history and Gurbani, asserting that the term \u2018Bal\u2019 is not derogatory, but rather signifies purity, innocence, and spiritual greatness in Sikh tradition.<\/p>\n
Sri Guru Harikrishan Sahib is revered as \u2018Bala Preetam\u2019, and the childhood of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji is honoured in Sikh history as \u2018Bala Preetam\u2019 and \u2018Bal Gobind Rai\u2019.
\nHe added that in Bhai Dana Singh\u2019s composition Katha Guru Ke Sutan Ki, the term \u2018Bal\u2019 is used for the younger Sahibzadas with affection and reverence. Similarly, Bhai Gurdas Ji\u2019s Vaaran and Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji\u2019s Bani in Siddh Gosht mention Guru Sahib being addressed as \u2018Bala\u2019 by the Siddhas.
\nRepresenting Sikh sentiments, Prof. Khiala said that at Takht Sri Harmandir Ji, Patna Sahib, when the then Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, shared Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u2019s announcement to observe \u2018Veer Bal Diwas\u2019 on December 26, it was welcomed with jaikaaras and great enthusiasm by the Sangat.
\nHe emphasised that the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas is an immortal martyrdom for the protection of humanity, faith, justice, and righteousness. Their courage, choosing death over compromising principles, continues to inspire millions who refuse to bow before injustice.<\/p>\n
\u2018Veer Bal Diwas\u2019 is a dignified national platform to carry the message of the Sahibzadas\u2019 unparalleled sacrifice, bravery, and commitment to justice to every corner of the country and the world. It symbolises martyrdom, pride, and national consciousness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"