Veer Bal Diwas: PM says brave Sahibzadas shook the foundations of religious fanaticism and terrorism; Gen Z will take the country forward.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed children at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday, on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children's Day). Before the event at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister also interacted with children who had received bravery awards this year. A video of his interaction with the children has also surfaced.

Addressing the gathering, PM Narendra Modi said, "Today, the country is celebrating Veer Bal Diwas. A beautiful rendition of Vande Mataram was just performed. Today, we remember those brave Sahibzadas who are the pride of India." He said, "The brave Sahibzadas are the epitome of India's indomitable courage, valor, and bravery. The brave Sahibzadas transcended the limitations of age and circumstances. They stood like a rock against the cruel Mughal empire. This shook the very foundations of religious fanaticism and terror."

The brave Sahibzadas had to confront the greatest power of their time at a young age: PM Modi.

He said, "The brave Sahibzadas had to confront the greatest power of their time at a very young age. That battle was between India's core values ​​and religious fanaticism. That battle was between truth and falsehood. On one side of that battle was Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and on the other side was the cruel rule of Aurangzeb."

He said that our Sahibzadas were very young at that time, but this did not deter Aurangzeb's cruelty. He knew that if he wanted to intimidate the people of India and force them to convert, he would have to break the morale of the Indians. That is why he targeted the Sahibzadas.

PM Modi said that even though the entire Mughal empire was after them, they could not break the resolve of any of the four Sahibzadas. The words of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji still tell the story of their courage. Ajit Singh Ji had said, "My name is Ajit (unconquerable), I will not be conquered, and even if I am defeated, I will not return defeated." The country was not allowed to be freed from the mentality of slavery: PM Modi

He said that just a few days ago, we remembered Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary. It was wrong to think that the Sahibzadas, who were inspired by the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, would be afraid of Mughal atrocities. The story of the Sahibzadas' sacrifice should have been on the lips of every person in the country. Unfortunately, even after independence, the mentality of slavery prevailed in the country. The seed of this slavery was sown by the British politician Macaulay in 1835. The country was not allowed to be freed from that mentality even after independence.

He further said that even after independence, attempts were made to suppress such truths in the country. Now India has decided that it must be freed from the mentality of slavery. Now the memories of the sacrifices and valor of Indians will not be suppressed. Now the heroes and heroines of the country will not be marginalized, and that is why we are celebrating 'Veer Bal Diwas' with full enthusiasm. In our country, which is freeing itself from the mentality of slavery, linguistic diversity is becoming our strength.

PM Modi said, 'A nation that has such a glorious past, whose young generation has inherited such inspirations, what can that nation not achieve? Whenever December 26th comes, I feel satisfied that our central government, inspired by the bravery of the Sahibzadas, has started celebrating Veer Bal Diwas.'

Gen-Z and Gen Alpha will lead India to the goal of a developed India: PM Modi.

Addressing Gen-Z and Gen Alpha, PM Modi said, 'Your generation will lead India to the goal of a developed India. I see and understand the capabilities and confidence of Gen-Z, and therefore, I have great faith in you.' He said, 'Earlier, young people were even afraid to dream, because the old systems had created an atmosphere where nothing good could happen. There was an atmosphere of despair all around. But today the country seeks out talent and gives them a platform.' He said, "Thanks to the success of Digital India, you have the power of the internet, you have access to learning resources. For those who want to excel in science, technology, or startups, there is the Startup India mission.  All these platforms are there to help you move forward. You just need to stay focused, and for that, it's essential that you don't get caught up in the glitz and glamour of short-term popularity. You shouldn't consider your success as something limited to yourself. Your goal should be that your success becomes the success of the nation."

He said that in the last four years, the new tradition of Veer Bal Diwas (Brave Children's Day) has taken the inspiration of the Sahibzadas (sons of Guru Gobind Singh) to the new generation. Veer Bal Diwas has created a platform for nurturing courageous and talented children. He said that these awards were given to 20 children from different parts of the country. He told the award-winning children that this honor is not only for them but also for their parents, teachers, and mentors.

Prime Minister Modi spent time with each child and praised their courage and bravery. In his address, Prime Minister Modi said that Guru Gobind Singh, a symbol of integrity, will continue to inspire future generations.

Union Minister Annapurna Devi said that the number of applications for the Prime Minister's National Children's Bravery Awards is increasing every year. She said that when we see the achievements of these children, our hearts fill with pride. Our faith in the future becomes even stronger. She told the children honored with the Prime Minister's National Children's Bravery Award that this award is a recognition of their dreams, struggles, and achievements, which will inspire millions of children.