Veer Bal Diwas inspires youth to break colonial mindset: PM

New Delhi, Dec 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday addressed the national programme marking ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
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 was clearly visible.
Emphasizing that on this day, the nation remembers the brave Sahibzades, who are the pride of India and represent the pinnacle of indomitable courage and valor, 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.
Modi remarked that whenever the day of 26th December arrives, he feels assured that the government has begun celebrating Veer Bal Diwas inspired by the valor of the Sahibzades. He highlighted that in the past four years, this new tradition has carried the inspiration of the Sahibzades to the younger generation and has created 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 honored 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.
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.
Recalling that only a few days ago the nation remembered Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on his 350th martyrdom day, with a special program held in Kurukshetra, Shri Modi remarked that it was wrong to think that Sahibzades, who drew inspiration from the sacrifice of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, would fear Mughal atrocities. The Prime Minister highlighted that the courage and ideals of Mata Gujri, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the four Sahibzades continue to give strength to every Indian and remain a source of inspiration.
He emphasized that the saga of the Sahibzades’ sacrifice should have been on the lips of every citizen, but unfortunately, even after independence, the colonial mindset prevailed. He pointed out that this mentality was seeded by British politician Macaulay in 1835 and was not allowed to be eradicated even after independence, leading to decades of attempts to suppress such truths.
Modi asserted that India has now resolved to free itself from the colonial mindset, declaring that the memories of Indian sacrifices and valor will no longer be suppressed and the nation’s heroes and heroines will no longer be sidelined. He underlined that this is why Veer Bal Diwas is being celebrated with full devotion and spirit. He added that the government has not stopped there, noting that in 2035 it will be 200 years since Macaulay’s conspiracy, and with 10 years remaining, India will demonstrate complete liberation from the colonial mindset. The Prime Minister stressed that once the nation is free from this mindset, it will take greater pride in indigenous traditions and advance further on the path of self-reliance.
The Prime Minister remarked that a glimpse of the campaign to free the nation from the colonial mindset was recently visible in Parliament, where during the winter session, Members of Parliament delivered nearly 160 speeches in Indian languages apart from Hindi and English. He highlighted that around 50 speeches were in Tamil, more than 40 in Marathi, and about 25 in Bangla, noting that such a scene is rare in any parliament in the world and is a matter of pride for all. He emphasized that Macaulay had attempted to suppress India’s language diversity, but now, as the country frees itself from the colonial mindset, linguistic diversity is becoming a strength.
Addressing the youth present from the Yuva Bharat organization, Modi remarked that they represent Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and it is their generation that will lead India to the goal of becoming a developed nation. He stated that he sees and understands their competence and confidence, and therefore places great trust in them.
Quoting the adage, Modi explained that even if a child speaks wisely, it should be accepted, meaning that greatness is not defined by age but by deeds and achievements. He underlined that young people can accomplish tasks that inspire others, and many have already demonstrated this. However, he stressed that these achievements should be seen only as a beginning, as there is much further to go, with dreams to be taken to the skies.
Noting that this generation is fortunate, Modi said today the nation stands firmly with their talent, unlike earlier times when youth feared even to dream due to an environment of despair. He remarked that today the country seeks out talent, provides platforms, and aligns the strength of 140 crore citizens with their aspirations. He highlighted that with the success of Digital India, the youth have the power of the internet and resources for learning, with missions like Startup India for those pursuing science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and Khelo India for those advancing in sports.
The Prime Minister remarked that new policies are being framed with a focus on youth empowerment, placing young people at the center of nation-building. He highlighted that through platforms like Mera Yuva Bharat, efforts are being made to connect youth, provide them opportunities, and develop leadership skills. Shri Modi emphasized that whether it is advancing the space economy, promoting sports, expanding fintech and manufacturing sectors, or creating opportunities for skill development and internships, youth remain at the core of every initiative. He further underlined that new opportunities are opening for youth in every sector. (PIB)