Forced Religious Conversion Is Unjust : Dr Saha
Agartala, Dec 26: Tripura Chief Minister Professor (Dr) Manik Saha on Friday strongly condemned forced religious conversions, stating that coercion or inducement to change one’s faith is unjust and unacceptable. He said the observance of Veer Bal Diwas serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering faith in religion.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing a gathering at the Veer Bal Diwas celebration programme held at Gurdwara Sahib, Chanmari, Agartala.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Dr Saha said religion is a matter of personal belief, and forcing individuals or tempting them with material benefits to convert undermines fundamental human values.
Paid heartfelt tributes at the Veer Bal Diwas observance at Gurudwara, Chanmari, honouring the sacred memory of the Sahibzadas – Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the brave sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Their supreme martyrdom at such a tender age embodies… pic.twitter.com/P0iplZgvqp
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) December 26, 2025
He expressed concern that such practices are being reported from different parts of the country and beyond.
Referring to historical injustices, the Chief Minister recalled the inhuman atrocities faced by Kashmiri Pandits. He also highlighted how the population of Hindus, Sikhs, and other minority communities has drastically declined in regions such as Pakistan and Bangladesh since Partition.
He noted that these issues are frequently discussed in newspapers and academic articles, and Veer Bal Diwas provides an important occasion to reflect on them.
Dr Saha stressed the need to build strong social resistance against forced conversions and to raise awareness at both national and international platforms to protect religious freedom and minority rights.
Highlighting the importance of the day, the Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the observance of Veer Bal Diwas in January 2022, and it has since been commemorated across India every year on December 26.
The day honours the supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh and aims to inspire future generations.
“The core objective of Veer Bal Diwas is to instil values such as bravery, sacrifice, moral integrity, and faith among the youth”.
“It helps build self-confidence and teaches how belief in religion and devotion to the nation can guide society towards progress,” Dr Saha said.
He added that Veer Bal Diwas is not merely about remembering history but about awakening the spirit of sacrifice and strengthening faith, values that remain deeply relevant in today’s world.
Emphasising the role of education, the Chief Minister said that providing proper moral and cultural education to children can help nurture extraordinary values, sometimes even greater than those found in renowned personalities.
On the occasion, Dr Saha extended his warm greetings and congratulations to the Sikh community, the people of Tripura, and citizens across the country.
He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering the nation forward with a strong sense of patriotism and national commitment.
The programme was attended by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, along with several prominent members of the Sikh community and other dignitaries.