Chandigarh, Dec 29: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has criticized the use of “Bal Veer” for the Sahibzade, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh, stating it does not reflect their true spiritual and historical role.
“The Sahibzade were spiritually conscious martyrs, not merely brave children,” NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said Monday. “Their lives were a conscious sacrifice for Sikh principles and justice.”
Chahal said the popular term “Bal Veer” oversimplifies the story of the Sahibzade and diminishes the gravity of their sacrifice. “They should be referred to using accurate historical terms like Sahibzade, Shaheedi Sahibzade, or Chhote Sahibzade,” he added.
NAPA called on institutions and media outlets to use respectful terminology to ensure Sikh history is preserved accurately, particularly for younger generations.
The issue drew national attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 designated December 26 as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to honor the martyrdom of Sahibzade Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh.
