NEW DELHI, December 26, 2025: Marking a day of profound reverence and national pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the national programme for Veer Baal Diwas today at Bharat Mandapam. During the event, the Prime Minister paid emotional tribute to the four Sahibzades—Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh—noting that their supreme sacrifice against the Mughal empire represents the pinnacle of valor. He emphasized that these young heroes stood like a rock against religious fanaticism and terror, proving that a nation rooted in such a glorious past is capable of achieving any goal.The Legacy of Sacrifice and the New Tradition.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the courage of Mata Gujri and Guru Gobind Singh continues to provide strength to every Indian. He noted that the celebration of Veer Baal Diwas, an initiative started four years ago, has successfully carried the inspiration of the Sahibzades to the younger generation. As part of the proceedings, the Prime Minister interacted with and honored the winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP).
This year, 20 children were recognized for their extraordinary feats in social service, science, technology, sports, and culture, with the Prime Minister describing them as the architects of India’s future.Dismantling the Colonial MindsetA central theme of the address was India’s resolution to permanently break free from the colonial mindset. The Prime Minister asserted that for decades after independence, the “Macaulay conspiracy” of 1835 was allowed to suppress the truths of Indian valor. He declared that by 2035—marking 200 years since that colonial influence began—India will demonstrate total liberation from such thinking.
He cited the recent winter session of Parliament as evidence of this shift, where nearly 160 speeches were delivered in various Indian languages like Tamil, Marathi, and Bangla, turning linguistic diversity into a national strength.Empowering Gen Z and Gen Alpha for Viksit BharatAddressing the youth, specifically Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the Prime Minister expressed immense confidence in their competence to lead the mission of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
He underlined that the government is providing unprecedented platforms through initiatives like: * Startup India: For budding entrepreneurs and scientists. Khelo India: For excellence in sports.
Atal Tinkering Labs: Promoting robotics and AI at the school level.
Digital India: Providing the power of the internet and global learning resources.
Educational Reforms and Future Prospects
The Prime Minister emphasized that the National Education Policy (NEP) is laying the foundation for a 21st-century learning environment. By focusing on practical learning and problem-solving rather than rote memorization, and by offering the option to study in mother tongues, the policy is making education more accessible and meaningful. He concluded by urging the youth to dream big and maintain clarity of thought, ensuring that their personal success contributes to the collective progress of the country.
The event was attended by Union Ministers Annpurna Devi, Savitri Thakur, Ravneet Singh, and Harsh Malhotra, along with other dignitaries and youth from across the nation.
