New Delhi, December 26, 2025:
The Delhi Government on Thursday observed Veer Bal Diwas with a grand national commemoration at Thyagraj Stadium, paying heartfelt tribute to the supreme sacrifice, unwavering faith, and unmatched courage of the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta led the observance, describing the day as not merely an occasion of remembrance but a collective resolve to instil courage, self-respect, patriotism, and moral strength in future generations.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Veer Bal Diwas represents the spirit of India’s civilisational values and honours the courage of children who stood firm against tyranny for the protection of faith and righteousness. She said the Sahibzadas displayed extraordinary bravery at an age when most children are still engaged in play, choosing the path of sacrifice rather than surrendering to fear or injustice. Their martyrdom, she noted, continues to inspire the nation and serves as a moral compass for India’s youth.
The event witnessed the presence of Education Minister Ashish Sood, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, senior government officials, school students, and a large number of citizens. On the occasion, a special booklet dedicated to the Sahibzadas was released along with a commemorative postal envelope issued in collaboration with the Department of Posts. Cultural and educational presentations formed a central part of the programme, including Gatka performances by students, a 270-degree immersive projection on Veer Bal Diwas, screenings of student-created reels, and patriotic musical renditions by the Shillong Chamber Choir.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that for a long time, the Sahibzadas did not receive the recognition they truly deserved in public memory. She said the decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas marked a historic and visionary step towards reconnecting the younger generation with India’s true heroes. According to her, the future of any nation depends on the courage, confidence, and moral clarity of its youth, and the Delhi Government is committed to nurturing these values through education, culture, and historical awareness.
Veer Bal Diwas was observed across Delhi at multiple levels, with the government organising a wide range of programmes in schools, colleges, and public institutions. Activities included drawing and painting competitions, sports events, storytelling sessions, essay writing, poetry, debates, and digital presentations focusing on themes such as bravery, nation-building, and the role of children in shaping India’s future. At the college and university level, debates, knowledge-based activities, slogan writing, rallies, group discussions, and fitness programmes were conducted to deepen engagement with the legacy of the Sahibzadas.
In selected schools, reel-making and story-writing activities were professionally documented, and special student podcasts were organised in the presence of the Chief Minister and the Education Minister to present the inspiring life stories and sacrifices of the Sahibzadas in contemporary formats accessible to young audiences.
A major highlight of the day was the laser and light show organised at Purana Qila, where the story of the Sahibzadas’ heroism was brought alive through a powerful blend of light, sound, and narration. The Chief Minister said such presentations are an effective medium to convey the emotional and moral depth of India’s history to the younger generation, while strengthening national pride, civic values, and a sense of responsibility towards society.
Education Minister Ashish Sood said that Veer Bal Diwas is a public acknowledgement of India’s long-ignored civilisational conscience. He said the bravery and martyrdom of the Sahibzadas are not confined to any one community but represent the soul of India—an ethos that stands with truth and refuses to compromise with injustice. He questioned why, for decades after Independence, India’s youth were kept away from such heroic narratives and asserted that this was the result of a colonial mindset that sought to disconnect society from its roots. He said the declaration of Veer Bal Diwas reflects India’s decisive move away from that mindset and towards drawing strength from its own history.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the national recognition of Veer Bal Diwas will guide future generations towards values of courage, sacrifice, and faith. Referring to the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, he said their sacrifice remains a guiding light for children and youth across the country. He added that from Guru Tegh Bahadur to the four Sahibzadas, the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh’s family form an immortal chapter in India’s moral and spiritual history, one that will be remembered for centuries.
The Delhi Government reiterated that Veer Bal Diwas is an integral part of its broader nation-building efforts. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the government aims to ensure that the legacy of the Sikh Gurus and the Sahibzadas reaches every section of society, inspiring generations to uphold truth, courage, and justice.
