Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the program marking ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. PM Modi witnessed a recital and three martial arts displays performed by children. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also flagged off a march-past by youth in Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the nation is remembering the immortal sacrifices of Veer Sahibzade and deriving inspiration from them as a new chapter of Veer Bal Diwas unfolds for India in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal. The Prime Minister recalled the celebrations of the first Veer Bal Diwas celebrated on the same day last year when the tales of valor of the Veer Sahibzade left the entire nation electrified.
“Veer Bal Diwas is a symbol of the never-say-die attitude for the protection of Bhartiyata”, PM Modi emphasized, “This day reminds us that age does not matter when it comes to heights of bravery.” Calling it a celebration of the heritage of the Sikh Gurus, the Prime Minister said that the courage and ideals of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four Veer Sahibzades embolden every Indian even today. “Veer Bal Diwas is a national tribute to the mothers who gave birth to bravehearts with unparalleled courage”, the Prime Minister said as he remembered the sacrifices made by the family of Baba Moti Ram Mehra and the devotion of Diwan Todarmal. This true devotion towards the Gurus, the Prime Minister said, ignites the flames of devotion towards the nation.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness that Veer Bal Diwas is now being celebrated internationally as the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, UAE and Greece witnessed programmes related to Veer Bal Diwas. Recalling the incomparable history of the battles of Chamkaur and Sirhind, the Prime Minister said that this history cannot be forgotten. He remembered how Indians faced cruelty and despotism with dignity.
PM Modi pointed out that the world too only took notice of our heritage the time we started giving our heritage its due respect. “Today when we are taking pride in our heritage, the world’s viewpoint has also changed”, he said. PM Modi expressed satisfaction that today’s India is shedding the mentality of slavery and having full confidence in the capabilities, inspirations and people of the country. “For today’s India, the sacrifice of Sahibzadas is a matter of inspiration.” Similarly, the sacrifice of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Guru Gobind Singh Ji inspires the entire country.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the world keeps India among the foremost lands of opportunities. India, PM Modi emphasized, is playing a key role in global problems of economy, science, research, sports and diplomacy. That is why, the Prime Minister reiterated his clarion call that he gave from the Red Fort “Yahi Samay hai, Sahi Samay Hai’. “This is India's time, the next 25 years will showcase India's capabilities”, he added. He also stressed the need to follow Panch Pran and not waste even a single moment.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India is going through a time period which comes in aeons. In this Amrit Kaal of Azadi, Shri Modi said that multiple factors have come together which would determine the golden period for India. He stressed on India’s youth power and informed that the population of youth in the country today is way more than during the freedom struggle. and expressed confidence that the present generation of youth can take the country to unimaginable heights. He mentioned Nachiketa who broke all barriers in search of knowledge, Abhimanyu who at a young age took on the ‘Chakravyuh’, Dhruv and his penance, Mauryan King Chandragupta who led an empire at a very young age, Eklavya and his dedication towards his Guru Dronacharya, Khudiram Bose, Batukeshwar Datt, Kanaklata Barua, Rani Gaidinliu, Baji Raut and various others national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.
The Prime Minister was very clear when he stressed “The coming 25 years are bringing huge opportunities for our youth. The youth of India, irrespective of which region or society they are born in, have limitless dreams. To fulfill these dreams, the government has a clear roadmap and a clear vision.” He elaborated on this by mentioning enabling National Education Policy, 10 thousand Atal Tinkering Labs and vibrant startup culture. He also mentioned 8 crore new entrepreneurs from poor segments of youth, SS/ST and backward communities who have emerged due to Mudra Yojana.
Highlighting the success of Indian athletes in recent international events, the Prime Minister noted that most of the athletes hail from middle-class families in rural areas. He credited their successes to the Khelo India campaign which provides better sports and training facilities near their homes and ensures a transparent selection process. This, the Prime Minister said, is a result of prioritizing the welfare of the youth.
The Prime Minister expanded on the meaning of the dream of becoming the third-largest economy. He said this will benefit the youth the most and it means better health, education, opportunities, jobs, quality of life and quality of products. PM Modi told the young audience about the nationwide campaign of linking youth with the dreams and resolution of Viksit Bharat. He invited every youth to register at the MY-Bharat portal. “This platform is now becoming a big institution for the young daughters and sons of the country," he said.
The Prime Minister advised the youth to give top priority to their health as it is crucial to achieving the desired results in life. He suggested making some ground rules for themselves and firmly adhering to them as he mentioned the challenges of physical exercise, digital detox, mental fitness, adequate sleep and including Shri Anna or millets in their diet. Prime Minister Modi also touched upon the menace of drugs in society and stressed tackling it by coming together as a nation and society. He also urged all religious leaders along with the government and families to initiate a strong campaign against drugs. “Sabka Prayas is imperative for a capable and strong youth power”, the Prime Minister concluded, remembering that the teachings of ‘Sabka Prayas’ as imparted to us by our Gurus will make India a developed nation.
To mark Veer Bal Diwas, the Government is organizing participatory programmes all over the country to inform and educate the citizens, especially young children, about the story of the exemplary courage of the Sahibzades. A digital exhibition detailing the life story and sacrifice of the Sahibzades will be displayed in schools and childcare institutions across the country. A film on ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ will also be screened nationwide.
On the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, on 9th January 2022, the Prime Minister announced that 26th December will be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, to mark the martyrdom of Sri Guru Gobind Singh’s sons Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.
Watch his address here: