North News
New Delhi, January 25
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday encouraged students to draw inspiration from historical figures such as Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, whose sacrifices shaped India’s freedom struggle. He highlighted the importance of youth in India’s journey toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, stressing that they will play a pivotal role in the nation’s future. Speaking at the Veer Gatha 4.0 felicitation ceremony in New Delhi, Singh explained that a true “hero” uplifts the nation and shapes society.
Singh praised India’s global standing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that the country’s young population of 50 crore has the potential to drive development. The Defence Minister urged students to face challenges with confidence and humility, emphasizing the importance of patriotism, modesty, and perseverance. He presented medals, cash prizes, and certificates to the Super-100 winners of the Veer Gatha competition, with 66 out of 100 winners being girls.
The competition saw record participation, with over 1.76 crore students from 2.5 lakh schools engaging in creative activities such as painting and essay writing to honor India’s gallantry awardees. Singh lauded the initiative’s role in fostering national pride, while Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commended students for their enthusiasm and creativity.
The event also featured Param Vir Chakra Awardee Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, who shared his experiences from the 1999 Kargil War, encouraging students to embody bravery and selflessness.
