Members of the Sikh community commemorated Veer Baal Diwas at the historic Gurudwara Sahib Samabula, honouring the martyrdom of the four sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with his mother and other Sikhs.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Head Priest, Sandeep Singh highlighted that the gurudwara held special prayers to remember the sacrifices made during the Mughal era and to reflect on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
He explained that the Sikh Gurus strongly opposed the practice of forced religious conversion and stood for the right of every individual to freely choose and practise their faith.
Singh says Guru Gobind Singh Ji lived and taught these values and made the ultimate sacrifice by offering his four sons to protect religious freedom and human dignity.
He says Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, aged seven and nine, were killed after refusing to change their faith, while his two elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, died bravely in battle while fighting injustice.
The head priest says the sacrifices of the Guru’s family show extraordinary courage, resilience and faith, and their message remains highly relevant in today’s world.
He adds that Sikh teachings encourage people to love their own religion while equally respecting the religions of others, promoting equality, unity and peaceful coexistence.
Singh says the Sikh community gathered early in the morning and took part in a three-hour prayer service, which included the singing of kirtans and holy hymns, as well as discussions on historical events and the hardships faced by the Guru’s family.
He says the programme aimed to educate younger members of the community about Sikh history and inspire them to live by the values of honesty, compassion and justice.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta says Veer Baal Diwas is a very important and meaningful day.
He says the day reminds people of the need to stand firm against injustice, oppression and atrocities, even in the face of great hardship.
He highlighted the strong contribution of the Indian community, including the Sikh community, to Fiji’s society and economy, and stressed the importance of unity among all communities.
Mehta also says that it is important to pass on the teachings and values of the Sikh Gurus to children, adding that these values help build strong character and guide people in both their personal and professional lives.
He encouraged the Sikh community and the wider Indian community in Fiji to remain united, support one another and continue contributing positively to the country.
