PM Modi Pays Tribute to Sahibzades at Veer Baal Diwas, Calls Youth the Driving Force of a Viksit Bharat.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the national programme marking Veer Baal Diwas at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, paying rich tributes to the four Sahibzades of Sri Guru Gobind Singh and describing them as the eternal symbols of India’s indomitable courage, sacrifice and highest ideals of valour.
Welcoming guests and children from across the country, the Prime Minister said the nation observes Veer Baal Diwas to remember the brave Sahibzades, who despite their young age stood firmly against tyranny and religious fanaticism. He said their sacrifice represents the moral strength of India and proves that a nation with such a glorious legacy can achieve any goal.
Recalling the courage of Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, PM Modi said they confronted the greatest power of their time with unwavering faith and conviction. He underlined that their struggle was not merely against a ruler, but between truth and falsehood, tolerance and fanaticism. The Prime Minister added that the courage and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh and the Sahibzades continue to inspire and strengthen every Indian even today.
The Prime Minister noted that Veer Baal Diwas has been celebrated for the last four years to pass on the inspiring legacy of the Sahibzades to younger generations. On the occasion, he highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, under which 20 children from across the country were honoured this year for exceptional achievements in bravery, social service, innovation, environment, sports, art and culture. He said the honour recognises not only the children but also their parents, teachers and mentors.
PM Modi asserted that for decades after independence, India remained burdened by a colonial mindset that suppressed the narratives of its heroes and sacrifices. He said the country has now resolved to completely free itself from this mindset and restore pride in its indigenous traditions and history. As part of this transformation, he said linguistic diversity is emerging as a source of strength, citing the recent Parliament session where members spoke extensively in various Indian languages besides Hindi and English.
Addressing the youth, particularly members of the Mera Yuva Bharat platform, the Prime Minister said Gen Z and Gen Alpha will lead India towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat. He expressed confidence in their competence, creativity and confidence, urging them to remain focused, value principles over short-term popularity and draw inspiration from the ideals of great personalities.
Highlighting the government’s focus on youth-centric policies, PM Modi said opportunities are expanding across sectors such as startups, space, sports, fintech, manufacturing and skill development. He also spoke about reforms under the National Education Policy, which emphasize critical thinking, practical learning, innovation, multidisciplinary education and learning in the mother tongue, empowering students for the challenges of the 21st century.
The Prime Minister concluded by saying that the Sahibzades chose the right path regardless of hardship, and the same spirit is needed today. He urged the youth to dream big, work with dedication and contribute to the nation’s progress, affirming that India’s future will shine through the courage, talent and resolve of its young citizens.
Union Ministers Annpurna Devi, Savitri Thakur, Ravneet Singh and Harsh Malhotra, along with other dignitaries, were present at the programme.
