Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, visited Gurdwara Bangla Sahib on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas Tuesday.
Speaking with reporters after paying obeisance, Puri, a former career diplomat, said he had travelled across the world but was yet to come across any tale of sacrifice resembling that of the Tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh’s sons
“The PM had decided regarding (the commemoration) of Veer Bal Diwas on December 26… we have an ancient culture, many have contributed to amplifying its glory… but these children of Guru Gobind Singh ji — aged six and nine — nowhere in the world have I heard a story similar to that of their martyrdom and sacrifice,” he said.
He also spoke of the addition of the tale to the academic curriculum across the country. “… We have all heard about it, but don’t you think it is important that our children in schools across our country are taught about this sacrifice, this martyrdom?” he asked.
“When I was in school, we were taught about the work done by the British, by the Mughals… I believe that not just from this year but much beyond that, December 26, Veer Bal Diwas will not only be observed but will provide an opportunity to learn about this supreme sacrifice and martyrdom which will also be part of our academic curriculum,” he added.