In a decisive move, the Directorate of School Education, Punjab, has issued instructions to District Education Officers and school heads across the state to stop any dramatic portrayals of the Sahibzadas—the sons of Guru Gobind Singh—and their family members in school plays and other stage performances.
The directive follows a communication from Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, addressed to the state’s Chief Secretary. The commission received a representation highlighting concerns that some schools had been staging plays that misinterpret historical guidelines, notably depicting the Sahibzadas as being bricked alive. This portrayal has been widely criticised for distorting revered historical events.
To address these issues, the National Commission for Minorities has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The SOP explicitly states that no individual, including schoolchildren, is permitted to impersonate or represent Sikh Gurus or their family members during stage performances. It further clarifies that the narrative of Sikh history, particularly the valor and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, should only be conveyed through written or verbal means, or via animation. This measure is intended to preserve the sanctity of Sikh traditions and ensure that the revered ‘Rehat Maryada’—the code of conduct for Sikhs—is upheld.
The guidelines apply not only to schools in Punjab but also to actors, directors, producers, and event organisers beyond the state, emphasising the cultural and religious sensitivity of these historical portrayals. Critics of the earlier representations argue that dramatizing such significant events on stage risks undermining the deep cultural reverence associated with these figures.
In a related note, the Union Government annually commemorates December 26 as “Veer Baal Diwas” to honour the valor and sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifice made by these young heroes, reinforcing the importance of preserving their legacy with utmost respect.
The move by the Directorate of School Education reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the historical and cultural integrity of Sikh traditions while ensuring that educational practices remain respectful and accurate in their depiction of the past.
