PM Modi pays tribute to young heroes on Veer Baal Diwas, inspires nation’s youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the national programme at Bharat Mandapam today, commemorating Veer Baal Diwas and honoring the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzades, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The event united dignitaries, award-winning children, and guests from across India to celebrate the legacy of these youthful icons of bravery.

Welcoming the gathering, especially the children, the Prime Minister remarked, “Today, the country is celebrating Veer Baal Diwas,” and lauded the heartfelt presentation of Vande Mataram, reflecting the performers’ dedication.

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PM Modi highlighted the fearless valor of Sahibzades Ajit Singh Ji, Jujhar Singh Ji, Zorawar Singh Ji, and Fateh Singh Ji, calling them the “pride of India” who stood firm against the oppressive Mughal empire. “They broke the boundaries of age and stage, standing like a rock against religious fanaticism and terror,” he said, emphasizing that such a glorious heritage in youth empowers the nation to achieve great heights.

Reflecting on the tradition, the Prime Minister noted that for the past four years, Veer Baal Diwas has served to inspire younger generations and provide a platform to nurture courage and talent. He congratulated the 20 recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar this year, praising their achievements across bravery, social service, science, sports, and the arts, and acknowledged the vital support of their families and mentors.

PM Modi recalled the historic struggle against Aurangzeb’s forces, stressing the spiritual strength inherited from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. “Despite the entire Mughal empire’s might, not one of the four Sahibzades wavered,” he affirmed, invoking their enduring courage.
He also linked this sacrifice to the recent commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, underscoring how their courage continues to inspire all Indians. Criticizing the lingering colonial mindset seeded by Macaulay in 1835 that suppressed such heroic narratives, the Prime Minister declared India’s resolve to break free from this legacy and celebrate its heroes with full devotion.

Highlighting the vibrancy of India’s linguistic diversity, PM Modi praised the recent Parliament session where nearly 160 speeches were delivered in various regional languages, a sign of cultural strength overcoming colonial suppression.

Addressing the youth of Yuva Bharat, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in their role as future leaders, encouraging them to dream big, stay focused, and contribute to the nation’s progress. He highlighted government initiatives such as Mera Yuva Bharat, Startup India, Khelo India, and Digital India, which empower youth across sectors, including space, fintech, manufacturing, and skill development.

He also spotlighted the transformative National Education Policy promoting practical, multidisciplinary learning with technology integration, robotics, and AI introduced at school levels. “The brave Sahibzades did not look at how difficult the path was, but whether the path was right or not,” he said, inspiring youth to embody that determination.

Winding up his address, PM Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the Sahibzades, congratulated the award-winning youth, and expressed gratitude to all attendees. Union Ministers Annpurna Devi, Savitri Thakur, Ravneet Singh, and Harsh Malhotra were also present.

The government is conducting nationwide participative programmes, including storytelling, recitations, poster-making, and essay-writing competitions in schools and online platforms like MyGov and MyBharat to maintain the spirit of the Sahibzades alive for future generations.

Veer Baal Diwas was officially declared by the Prime Minister on January 9, 2022, on the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, to honor the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, whose sacrifice continues to inspire India’s youth.