Our Bureau
Dubai
On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, the Indian Minorities Federation (IMF) organised an event at Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple, Dubai, the First Sikh Gurudwara in the UAE, to commemorate the enduring sacrifice of the courageous Chhote Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh who stood firm for their faith and principles against tyranny at the tender age of 7 and 9 respectively, inspiring generations with their courage, to instil their legacy in the hearts of Indian youth across the globe.
IMF confers Veer Bal Diwas Bravery Awards to 15 Exceptional Children of Indian Diaspora belonging to different communities and religion in Dubai. The awardees included nine boys and six girls from various religious backgrounds, highlighting the spirit of unity and resilience that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Of the 15, 10 are Hindu, three Sikh, one Muslim, and one Jain.
The Veer Bal Diwas Bravery awardees included Taksh Jain, Vidyuth Balaji, Jaivardhan Nawani, Abhiraj Manikoth, Aradhya Rai, Vivan Bansal, Anahad Singh, Avi Puri, Gopikha Sivakumar, Kiara Kaur, Adel Eshan Abdul Rahiman, Ananya Manikandan, Gurkamal Singh, Akshara Roy and Sinjini Debnath.
Besides an Ardaas (a ceremonial prayer) to seek blessings for peace, unity, and resilience and a Kirtan performance in memory of the Chhote Sahibzadas, Langar was also served later by IMF as part of the Veer Bal Diwas.
Besides Sikh community leaders, members of Indian Diaspora and international communities and religions, and thought leaders from Indian and international communities from all over UAE in larger numbers, the dignitaries who graced the event included Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) & Chancellor Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Yatin Patel, Deputy Consul General, Consul (Passport, Attestation and Press, Information & Culture) & Appellate Authority (RTI), Surender Singh Kandhari and the Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple.
Members of the Sikh community in Dubai and UAE extended their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the historical step to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas worldwide as a celebration of the heritage of the Sikh Gurus and symbol of the never-say-die attitude for the protection of Bhartiyata.
Members of Parliament Rajya Sabha & Chancellor Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “The historic announcement of Veer Bal Diwas in 2022, honoring the remarkable martyrdom of the ‘Chhote Sahibzadas,’ is a testament to PM Modi’s commitment to fulfilling the long-ignored aspirations of the Sikh community on both national and international level.”
Surender Singh Kandhari, the Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple, Dubai says by observing Veer Bal Diwas, PM Modi Connected the Youth with Rich Heritage of Sikhs and India.
