Why in news?

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 3rd Veer Baal Diwas, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades.

He described the day as a festival of inspiration for Indians, particularly the youth, and lauded 17 children conferred with Veer Baal Awards in various fields such as bravery, innovation, sports, and arts.

What’s in today’s article?

• Vir Bal Diwas
• Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

Vir Bal Diwas

• About
  • On 9th January 2022, the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the PM had announced that 26th December would be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
  • This was announced to mark the martyrdom of sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh - Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.
• Sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh
  • While two of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were killed fighting the Mughals, two other sons were bricked alive on the orders of Aurangzeb’s governor of Sirhind.
  • The two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.
  • Veer Baal Diwas is observed on the same day the two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom.

Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

• Tributes to Sahibzades and Teachings on National Integrity
  • The PM paid homage to Sahib Zorawar Singh, Sahib Fateh Singh, and Gurus, highlighting their unmatched courage and sacrifice.
  • He emphasized the importance of instilling patriotism among youth and drawing inspiration from the Sahibzadas' unwavering faith and bravery.
  • Veer Baal Diwas serves as a reminder that the nation and its interests should always come first.
• Youth Empowerment: A Pillar of Development
  • PM Modi underlined the role of youth in India’s progress, from independence movements to modern revolutions.
  • The government has prioritized youth-centric policies, including initiatives in start-ups, AI, machine learning, skill development, and sports.
  • Over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and the 'Mera Yuva Bharat' campaign have been launched to encourage innovation and societal contribution among youth.
• Health and Fitness Initiatives
  • The Prime Minister launched the 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan,' aimed at eliminating malnutrition through healthy competition among village panchayats.
    • It aims at improving the nutritional outcomes and well-being by strengthening implementation of nutrition related services and by ensuring active community participation.
    • The programme will involve a competition among anganwadis.
    • A total of 1,000 gram panchayats will get Rs 1 lakh while a part of this amount will be used for better nutrition in the anganwadis.
  • He emphasized the importance of fitness through 'Fit India' and 'Khelo India' movements, highlighting the link between a healthy youth and a capable nation.
• Vision for India's Future
  • PM Modi encouraged youth to aim for excellence in all fields, including infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, and space research.
  • He expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to lead global revolutions and achieve the goals of a developed India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Political Engagement of Youth
  • PM unveiled his vision of bringing one lakh youth into politics, particularly those from non-political backgrounds.
  • He announced the launch of the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary to discuss India's roadmap for development.