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NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 26, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the national programme marking ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister welcomed guests from across the nation and addressed the children present, remarking that today the country is celebrating Veer Bal Diwas. He highlighted the beautiful presentation of Vande Mataram, noting that the dedication and effort of the performers were clearly visible.
Emphasising that on this day, the nation remembers the brave Sahibzades, who are the pride of India and represent the pinnacle of indomitable courage and valour, Shri Modi stated that these Sahibzades broke the boundaries of age and stage, standing like a rock against the cruel Mughal empire, shaking the very existence of religious fanaticism and terror. The Prime Minister underlined that a nation with such a glorious past, whose young generations inherit such inspiring legacies, is capable of achieving anything.
Mr Modi remarked that whenever the 26th of December arrives, he feels assured that the government has begun celebrating Veer Bal Diwas, inspired by the valour of the Sahibzades. He highlighted that over the past four years, this new tradition has carried the inspiration of the Sahibzades to the younger generation, creating a platform for building courageous and talented youth. The Prime Minister stated that every year, children who achieve remarkable feats in different fields for the nation are honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), and this year too, 20 children from across the country have received the award. He further stated about the interaction with them, mentioning that some displayed extraordinary bravery, some contributed commendably in social service and environmental protection, some innovated in science and technology, while many others made contributions in sports, art, and culture. Shri Modi conveyed to the award winners that this honor is not only for them but also for their parents, teachers, and mentors whose efforts are being recognized, and extended best wishes to the winners and their families for a bright future.
Underlining that Veer Bal Diwas is a day filled with emotion and reverence, Modi remembered Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, who at a very young age had to confront the greatest power of their time. He emphasized that their struggle was between the fundamental ideas of India and religious fanaticism, between truth and falsehood, with one side led by 10th Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the other by the cruel rule of Aurangzeb. The Prime Minister noted that although the Sahibzades were very young, Aurangzeb was determined to break the morale of Indians to force conversions, and thus targeted them. He stressed that Aurangzeb and his commanders forgot that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was no ordinary man but the embodiment of penance and sacrifice, and the Sahibzades inherited this legacy. He declared that despite the entire Mughal empire’s might, not one of the four Sahibzades wavered. The Prime Minister recalled the words of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, which continue to echo his courage.
Noting that India today faces unprecedented circumstances, being one of the youngest countries in the world, Mr Modi stated that the coming 25 years will determine the nation’s direction, and for the first time since independence, India’s capabilities, aspirations, and the world’s expectations are converging. He remarked that today’s youth are growing up in a time of greater opportunities than ever before, and the government is committed to providing better chances to harness their talent, confidence, and leadership.
Addressing the youth, the Prime Minister stressed that strong foundations for a developed India are being laid through significant reforms in the education policy. He explained that the new National Education Policy focuses on modern learning methods of the 21st century, emphasizing practical learning, encouraging children to think rather than memorize, instilling the courage to ask questions, and building problem-solving skills. Shri Modi noted that for the first time, meaningful efforts are being made in this direction, with multidisciplinary studies, skill-based learning, promotion of sports, and use of technology greatly benefiting students. The Prime Minister highlighted that across the country, millions of children are engaging in innovation and research through Atal Tinkering Labs, and even at the school level, students are being introduced to robotics, AI, sustainability, and design thinking. He added that alongside these efforts, the National Education Policy has provided the option of studying in the mother tongue, making learning easier and helping children better understand subjects.
Union Ministers Annpurna Devi, Savitri Thakur, Ravneet Singh, and Harsh Malhotra were present among other dignitaries at the event.
