Veer Bal Diwas

PIB Headquarters Veer Bal Diwas Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Honouring Courage, Encouraging Excellence Beyond Age प्रव तथ: 26 DEC 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi Key Takeaways Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26 to honour the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji. The day commemorates the courage, sacrifice and exemplary values of India’s young heroes President of India conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to children aged 5 to 18 for outstanding achievements in bravery, sports, social service, science and technology, environment, and arts and culture. Introduction The Government of India observes Veer Baal Diwas on December 26 every year in remembrance of the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh ji’s sons Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji. The objective is to honour the bravery of the two young heroes of the country, and help inculcate the spirit of exemplary courage and sacrifice in the youth of today. Historical Context Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, were bricked alive and martyred at Sirhind (present-day Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab) on December 26, 1704 for refusing to abandon their faith under coercion. The martyrdom of the Sahibzadas stands as a lasting symbol of faith, courage and moral strength for the country. It is a revered and cherished symbol of the heritage of the Sikh Gurus, their courage and dedication. Even at such a tender age, the young heroes chose truth and dignity over fear, with unmatched bravery. Their sacrifice continues to inspire generations and occupies a central place in the nation's collective historical memory. The day is observed with prayers and keertans in Gurudwaras to honour and commemorate their bravery. Objectives and ObservanceSince its inception, Veer Bal Diwas has been observed throughout the nation to honour the bravery of the two young martyrs and make the youth of today aware about their sacrifice. Several programmes are organized, especially in schools across the nation. These include essay writing, quizzes, debates, storytelling sessions, art programmes, youth marches, and public tributes, cultural performances, and other youth-centric activities highlighting the day's participatory and inclusive nature. The events also feature tributes and speeches linking historical sacrifice to contemporary civic values. The event serves as a platform to showcase and the extraordinary talent, creativity, and achievements of India’s youth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi graces the occasion, reaffirming the importance of empowering children as the foundation of the nation’s bright future. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is a prestigious national-level award conferred annually by the Hon’ble President of India to recognise exceptional achievements of children (below 18 years) across multiple fields. The award honours young achievers in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture, and Science & Technology. It aims to celebrate, encourage and inspire children by acknowledging their outstanding contributions at the national level in diverse spheres. It also aims to inspire peers nationwide by showcasing real-life role models. By highlighting impactful efforts, the award promotes a culture of innovation, service, and perseverance. Through this initiative, the Government of India reinforces its commitment to child welfare, holistic development, and the nurturing of national pride among young achievers. Eligibility CriteriaThe award is given to Indian citizens residing in India and between 5 and 18 years as on 31st July of the given year. The act, incident, or achievement for which they are being nominated should have occurred within two years prior to the last date of application Nomination & Selection The selection is made by by the PMRBP Committee, constituted by the Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development and chaired by the Secretary, MWCD, with domain experts as members. Awards are conferred only on the Committee’s recommendation, based on the exceptional merit and societal impact of achievements, and are approved by the Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development. Number of Awards A maximum of 25 awards are conferred annually. The PMRBP Committee can relax this limit in exceptional cases. Each award carries a Medal and a Certificate. Posthumous Award The award is generally not conferred posthumously. However, in rare and highly deserving cases, the PMRBP Committee may consider a posthumous conferment. Veer Bal Diwas and Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Event 2025 This year 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories have been selected for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. The awards were conferred by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, during a special ceremony held on 26 December 2025 at 10:00 AM at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. A national-level programme of Veer Bal Diwas 2025 was organised at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 26 December 2025. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the children and youth of India and underscored their role in nation-building. The programme highlighted stories of bravery, resilience, and selfless service, inspiring children and youth and reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to nurturing empowered and responsible citizens in line with Viksit Bharat@2047. School children, PMRBP awardees, and dignitaries from across the country attended the programme. Below is the list of PMRBP 2025 awardees, along with their achievements and award categories. S. No. Name & Place Age About the Awardees Bravery1 Vyoma Priya 9 years Lost her young life while selflessly trying to save a six- (Posthumous) year-old child during an electrical accident, displaying extraordinary courage beyond her years. Coimbatore, TN 2 Kamlesh Kumar 11 years Gave up his life in a brave and instinctive attempt to (Posthumous) rescue another child from drowning. Kaimur, Bihar 3 Muhammed 11 years Acted without fear to save two of his friends from Sidan P electrocution, putting their lives above his own safety. Palakkad, Kerala 4 Ajay Raj 9 years Showed remarkable fearlessness by saving his father from a crocodile attack near their village river. Agra, UP Art and Culture 5 Esther 9 years Touched millions across the country with her heartfelt Lalduhawmi renditions of patriotic songs, inspiring national pride Hnamte through her young voice. Lunglei, Mizoram 6 Suman Sarkar 16 years A gifted tabla prodigy whose exceptional talent has earned him admiration and accolades on the global Nadia, WB stage. Environment 7 Pooja 17 years Driven by concern for her surroundings, she created an innovative machine to reduce agricultural dust and air Barabanki, UP pollution. Social Service 8 Shvan Singh 10 years Displayed rare courage during Operation Sindoor by carrying out dangerous supply runs to support frontline Ferozepur, soldiers. Punjab 9 Vansh Tayal 17 years Despite early hardships, he chose compassion over comfort and dedicated himself to the rehabilitation of Chandigarh children, including those with special needs.Science and Technology 10 Aishi Prisha 14 years Inspired by sustainability, she promotes eco-friendly Borah practices such as natural farming and innovative mulching techniques. Jorhat, Assam 11 Arnav Anupriya 17 years A young divyang innovator who turned personal Maharshi challenges into purpose by developing an AI-based rehabilitation tool for hand paralysis. Aurangabad, Maharashtra Sports 12 Shivani Hosuru 17 years A determined divyang para-athlete who has brought Uppara pride to the nation through her achievements in shot put and javelin. Annamayya, Andhra Pradesh 13 Vaibhav 14 years A cricket sensation whose record-breaking performances Sooryavanshi have made him the youngest IPL player and fastest Indian centurion in the league. Samastipur, Bihar 14 Yogita Mandavi 14 years Rising from a naxal-affected region, she overcame immense challenges to become a national-level Khelo Kondagaon, India judoka. Chattisgarh 15 Vaka Lakshmi 7 years A young chess prodigy who stunned the world by Pragnika becoming Under-7 World Champion with a flawless 9/9 score. Surat, Gujarat 16 Jyoti 17 years An inspiring international para-athlete whose medal- winning performances reflect resilience, strength, and Sirsa, Haryana determination. 17 Anushka Kumari 14 years One of only five girls from Jharkhand selected for the Indian Under-17 Women’s Football Team, known for her Ranchi, consistent goal-scoring ability. Jharkhand18 Dhinidhi 15 years A promising swimmer who has made India proud on the Desinghu global stage and became one of the youngest Indians to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Bengaluru, Karnataka 19 Jyoshna Sabar 16 years A powerful young weightlifter who set a Youth Asian record and continues to bring international medals home Gajapati, Odisha for India. 20 Vishwanath 16 years A fearless mountaineer who conquered the world’s Karthikey highest peaks, becoming the youngest to complete the Padakanti Seven Summits Challenge. Medchal- Malkajgiri, Telangan Conclusion Veer Bal Diwas represents a significant national initiative to institutionalise the remembrance of the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom and to translate historical memory into a source of contemporary inspiration. Observed annually on December 26,the day reflects the Government of India’s emphasis on values-based education, youth engagement and the preservation of historical consciousness. Through coordinated national events and widespread school-level participation, Veer Bal Diwas has emerged as both a tribute and a forward-looking initiative aimed at nurturing courage, integrity and moral strength among future generations. References MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/ s371e09b16e21f7b6919bbfc43f6a5b2f0/uploads/2025/05/20250524679249072.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiasKq kktORAxU22TgGHS1AM3AQFnoECDMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2WRZpS6y96_70GdCW5sgZL https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://gurunanakcollege.edu. in/2024/1/2/The%2520Four%2520Sahibzadas%2520English.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwijttCq9MORAxWR7jg GHXK1FswQFnoECEUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2LbXKeZue50Pn425qve8aI Amrit Kaal https://amritkaal.nic.in/event-detail?183731 https://www.mygov.in/task/martyrdom-brave-sons-guru-govind-singh-ji-essay-contest/ PIB https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1990383&reg=3&lang=2 https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1991884&reg=3&lang=2https://www.pib.gov.in/Pr essReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1881187&reg=3&lang=2 Click here for pdf file. ****PIB Research (रलीज़ आईडी: 2208848) आगंतुक पटल : 3531 इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , ही , Manipuri , Bengali , Gujarati