Gen Z and Gen Alpha will lead India to the goal of Viksit Bharat: PM
The North News
New Delhi, December 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the courage and ideals of Mata Gujri, Guru Gobind Singh and his four sons, the Sahibzadas, continue to give strength to every Indian, as he addressed a national programme marking Veer Bal Diwas in New Delhi.
Speaking at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister said 26 December was a day of remembrance and reverence, recalling the sacrifice of Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. He described them as symbols of extraordinary courage who, despite their young age, stood firm against religious fanaticism during Mughal rule.
Modi said the legacy of the Sahibzades showed that greatness was defined not by age, but by conviction and action. A nation that passes such ideals to its younger generations, he said, was capable of achieving any goal.
He noted that Veer Bal Diwas, observed for the past four years, had become a platform to inspire children and recognise talent. This year, 20 children from across the country were honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for achievements ranging from bravery and social service to innovation, sports, art and culture. The Prime Minister said the awards also recognised the role of parents, teachers and mentors.
Recalling the recent commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Mr Modi said the Sahibzades had grown up in a tradition of sacrifice and fearlessness. He said attempts to erase such histories after independence reflected a “colonial mindset”, which India was now determined to shed.
As part of that shift, he pointed to the growing use of Indian languages in Parliament, calling linguistic diversity a national strength rather than a weakness. He said India was reclaiming pride in its own traditions and heroes.
Addressing young people from the Yuva Bharat platform, the Prime Minister said today’s youth — including Gen Z and Gen Alpha — would lead India towards becoming a developed nation. He urged them to remain focused, learn from national ideals and avoid being distracted by short-term fame.
Highlighting government initiatives, Modi said platforms such as Digital India, Startup India, Khelo India and Mera Yuva Bharat were designed to support young talent. He also pointed to reforms under the National Education Policy, including skill-based learning, multidisciplinary studies and education in the mother tongue, aimed at preparing students for the 21st century.
“The Sahibzades did not ask how difficult the path was, but whether it was the right one,” he said, urging young Indians to dream big, work hard and draw inspiration from the nation’s history.
President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on ten-year-old Shravan Singh, who regularly supplied water, milk and lassi to Indian soldiers stationed near his home along the border, despite the dangers posed by the conflict during Operation Sindoor.
Union ministers Annpurna Devi, Savitri Thakur, Ravneet Singh and Harsh Malhotra were among those present at the event.
