PM speaks to various leaders after the signing of historic peace accord between Government of India and Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in Veer Baal Diwas today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 3rd Veer Baal Diwas, he said their Government had started the Veer Baal diwas in memory of the unparalleled bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades. He added that this day had now become a festival of national inspiration for crores of Indians. He further added this day had worked to inspire many children and youth with indomitable courage. Shri Modi lauded the 17 children who were conferred with Veer Baal awards in the fields of bravery, innovation, science and technology, sports and arts today. He added that today’s awardees symbolised the capability of the children and youth of India to excel in various fields. The Prime Minister paid his tributes to the Gurus and the brave Sahibzades on the occasion and also congratulated the awardees and their families.

Recalling the sacrifice of the brave Sahibzades, Shri Modi said it was imperative for today’s youth to know about their saga of bravery and therefore, it was important to recall those events too. He added that it was over three centuries ago on this day the courageous Sahibzades had sacrificed their lives at tender ages. The Prime Minister noted that despite the tender ages of Sahib Zorawar Singh and Sahib Fateh Singh, their courage knew no bounds. He added that the Sahibzades rejected all the temptations of the Mughal Sultanate, endured all the atrocities and chose to embrace the death sentence ordered by Wazir Khan with utmost bravery. Shri Modi remarked that the Sahibzadas reminded him of the valor of Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Guru Gobind Singh and this bravery was the spiritual strength of our faith. He added that the Sahibzadas chose to sacrifice their lives but never wavered from the path of faith. The Prime Minister emphasized that Veer Bal Diwas teaches us that no matter how difficult the circumstances, nothing is greater than the nation and national interest. He said “Every act done for the country is an act of bravery and every child and youth living for the country is a Veer Balak”.

“This year's Veer Bal Diwas is even more special as it marks the 75th year of the establishment of the Indian Republic and our Constitution”, said the Prime Minister. He emphasized that in this 75th year of Indian Constitution, every citizen of the country is drawing inspiration from the brave Sahibzadas to work for the unity and integrity of the nation. Shri Modi highlighted that the strong democracy of India was proud that this day was built on the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas. He underscored that our democracy inspires us towards the upliftment of the last person in society. “The Constitution teaches us that no one is small or big in the country”, said Shri Modi. He added that this principle aligns with the teachings of our Gurus, who advocated for the welfare of all. The Prime Minister stressed that the life of the Sahibzadas teaches us not to compromise on the integrity and ideals of the nation and similarly, the Constitution upholds the principle of India's sovereignty and integrity. He added that the magnitude of our democracy embodies the teachings of the Gurus, the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, and the mantra of national unity.

“From past till present, the energy of the youth has played a significant role in India's progress”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted that from the fight for independence to the 21st-century movements, Indian youth have contributed to every revolution. The Prime Minister stressed that the world looks at India with hope and expectations because of the power of the youth. He remarked that today, from start-ups to science, sports to entrepreneurship, youth power is driving new revolutions. Hence, he added, the government's biggest focus in policy is empowering the youth. He stressed that all policies, whether for the start-up ecosystem, the future of the space economy, the sports and fitness sector, the fintech and manufacturing industry, or skill development and internship schemes, are youth-centric and aimed at benefiting young people. He further underscored that in every sector related to the country's development, young people are getting new opportunities while their talent and self-confidence was receiving support from the Government. The Prime Minister remarked that in today's rapidly changing world, new needs, expectations, and future directions were emerging. He stressed on the importance of making our youth futuristic, given the shift from traditional software to AI and the rise of machine learning. Shri Modi highlighted that the country started preparing for this long ago with the new National Education Policy, which modernized education and provided an open sky for learning. He emphasized that over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up to foster innovation among young children. Shri Modi stated that the 'Mera Yuva Bharat' campaign aims to provide practical opportunities along with education, increase the sense of duty towards society among youth.

Stressing on the importance of staying fit, noting that a healthy youth will lead to a capable nation, Shri Modi said that the 'Fit India' and 'Khelo India' movements aimed to increase fitness awareness among the younger generation. The Prime Minister announced the launch of the 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan', which will promote a healthy competition among village panchayats to eliminate malnutrition and form the basis of a developed India.

“Veer Bal Diwas fills us with inspiration and motivates us for new resolutions”, remarked the Prime Minister. He emphasized that our standard should now be the best. He urged the youth to work towards making their respective sectors the best. Shri Modi said “If we work on infrastructure, our roads, rail network, and airport infrastructure should be the best in the world. If we work on manufacturing, our semiconductors, electronics, and auto vehicles should be the best globally. If we work in tourism, our destinations, travel amenities, and hospitality should be the best. If we work in the space sector, our satellites, navigation technology, and astronomy research should be the best”. The Prime Minister remarked that the inspiration for setting such high goals comes from the bravery of the Sahibzadas. He stressed that big goals are now our resolutions. Shri Modi remarked that the country had complete confidence in the capabilities of its youth and underscored that the youth of India, who can lead the world's largest companies, innovate to guide the modern world, and prove their mettle in every major country and field, can achieve anything for their nation when given new opportunities. Therefore, he said, that the goal of a developed India was assured and the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat was certain.

Remarking that every era gave the youth of a country the opportunity to change its destiny, Shri Modi highlighted that during the freedom struggle, Indian youth broke the arrogance of foreign rule and achieved their goals while today, the youth have the goal of a developed India. He stressed that in this decade, we must lay the foundation for rapid development over the next 25 years. The Prime Minister urged the youth to make the most of this time, advance in every sector, and propel the nation forward. He emphasized his vision of bringing one lakh youth into politics, whose families have never been involved in active politics. He added that this initiative was crucial for the next 25 years and encouraged the youth to be part of this campaign to bring a new generation into politics. Shri Modi announced that the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' would be held at the beginning of next year on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. He added that millions of youth from villages, towns, and cities across the country will participate, discussing the vision and roadmap for a developed India.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the in the upcoming decade, especially the next five years, would be crucial for fulfilling the resolutions of Amrit Kaal's 25 years. He highlighted the need to harness the entire youth power of the country. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the support, cooperation, and energy of the youth will take India to great heights. He concluded by paying homage to the Gurus, the brave Sahibzadas, and Mata Gujri ji.

The Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Annapurna Devi was present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Veer Baal Diwas is a nationwide celebration honouring children as the foundation of India’s future. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the event and launched ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan’. The programme aims at improving the nutritional outcomes and well-being by strengthening implementation of nutrition related services and by ensuring active community participation.

Various initiatives will also be run across the nation to engage young minds, promote awareness about the significance of the day, and foster a culture of courage and dedication to the nation. A series of online competitions, including interactive quizzes, will be organized through the MyGov and MyBharat Portals. Interesting activities like storytelling, creative writing, poster-making among others will be undertaken in schools, Child Care Institutions and Anganwadi centres.

Awardees of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) were also present during the programme

साहिबजादा जोरावर सिंह और साहिबजादा फतेह सिंह की आयु कम थी, लेकिन उनका हौसला आसमान से भी ऊंचा था: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/5dOwpknFJN

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 26, 2024

कितना भी विपरीत समय क्यों ना हो... देश और देशहित से बड़ा कुछ नहीं होता: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/vEC89BHTG6

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 26, 2024

हमारे लोकतंत्र की विराटता में गुरुओं की सीख है, साहिबजादों का त्याग है और देश की एकता का मूल मंत्र है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/prtKVn7IKd

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 26, 2024

इतिहास से वर्तमान तक, भारत की प्रगति में हमेशा युवा ऊर्जा की बड़ी भूमिका रही है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/5TbxfdJtn0

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 26, 2024

अब बेस्ट ही हमारा स्टैंडर्ड होना चाहिए: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/CNIIz3mXt8

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 26, 2024