New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the national programme of Veer Bal Diwas in Delhi, emphasizing the pivotal role of younger generations—Gen Z and Gen Alpha—in shaping India’s future. Speaking to an assembly of bright young minds and award-winning children, Modi encouraged them to harness their capabilities, work with discipline, and aim for national development, reiterating his faith in their potential to drive the country toward Viksit Bharat, or developed India.

A Message to the Youth

Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted the importance of age-defying accomplishments, saying that young people can achieve remarkable feats regardless of their years. “Age doesn’t determine who is small or who is big. You become big through your deeds and achievements. Even at a young age, you can do such work that others draw inspiration from you,” the Prime Minister said. He reinforced the notion that India’s future rests in the hands of these young generations, whose innovation, dedication, and courage will propel the nation forward.

For context, Gen Z refers to those born between 1997 and 2012, while Gen Alpha includes children born from 2013 onwards. Modi urged them not to be distracted by short-term popularity or superficial accolades, but to instead draw inspiration from personalities who have contributed to nation-building and the country’s enduring legacy.

“Previously, young people were afraid to dream, as outdated systems created an atmosphere where nothing good seemed possible,” Modi said. “But today, India seeks talent and provides a platform. The strength of 1.4 billion countrymen is behind your dreams. The opportunities for progress in every field are immense.”

Honouring Exceptional Young Achievers

During the event, 20 children from across India were awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) for their remarkable achievements in bravery, social service, environment, sports, art & culture, and science & technology. Among the awardees were:

• Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika (7), a world champion chess prodigy in the U-7 girls category.
• Ajay Raj (9), who saved his father from a crocodile attack.
• Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte (9) from Mizoram, whose patriotic songs went viral nationwide.
• Mohammed Sidan P (11), who rescued two friends from electrocution.
• Vyoma Priya (9), who lost her life while saving a younger child.
• Shravan Singh (10), who supported Indian soldiers near the border during Operation Sindoor by delivering water, milk, and lassi.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (14), a cricket prodigy.

President Droupadi Murmu also addressed the gathering, congratulating the children for bringing pride to their families, communities, and the nation, and said their achievements would inspire countless others across India.

Remembering the Sahibzades

Modi’s address also paid homage to the Sahibzades, the sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who displayed extraordinary courage at a very young age against the Mughal empire. Veer Bal Diwas commemorates their sacrificial valor and serves as a reminder to the younger generation of the courage and resilience inherent in India’s history.

“The Sahibzades broke the boundaries of age and stage, standing like a rock against the cruel Mughal empire, shaking the very existence of religious fanaticism and terror,” Modi said. He highlighted that their story continues to inspire the youth, fostering a culture of bravery, discipline, and commitment to justice. Modi emphasised that through Veer Bal Diwas, the inspiring legacy of the Sahibzades is being passed to new generations, motivating them to cultivate courage and talent.

A Vision for a Viksit Bharat

Modi connected the historical valor of the Sahibzades to modern India’s aspirations, stressing that young Indians can emulate their dedication and fearlessness to achieve national goals. He urged children to take pride in India’s rich heritage and to understand that significant contributions to society are possible at any age.

He also noted the continued influence of the colonial mindset, introduced by British reformer Thomas Macaulay in 1835, which persisted even after independence. Modi stated that by 2035, India would achieve complete liberation from the colonial mindset, celebrating indigenous traditions and knowledge systems while strengthening the path toward self-reliance.

The Prime Minister cited recent parliamentary sessions as an example of India’s cultural resurgence, noting that MPs delivered nearly 160 speeches in Indian languages other than Hindi and English, including Tamil, Marathi, and Bangla. This, he said, demonstrates the country’s effort to reclaim its linguistic and cultural identity, which is essential for building a developed and self-reliant nation.

Lessons for the Young Generation

Modi’s speech highlighted several key lessons for young people:

1. Courage over age: Young individuals can achieve extraordinary feats when driven by conviction and discipline.
2. Value of hard work and focus: Short-term popularity should not distract from long-term achievements and nation-building.
3. Learning from history: Understanding India’s historical struggles and sacrifices, such as those of the Sahibzades, provides a blueprint for modern courage and leadership.
4. Reclaiming indigenous traditions: India’s youth should embrace and promote indigenous languages, knowledge systems, and cultural heritage.
5. Vision for Viksit Bharat: Through determination, talent, and service, the youth can lead India to become a fully developed nation.

Empowering the Youth Through Inspiration

The Veer Bal Diwas celebrations, Modi said, were designed not just to remember history but also to actively inspire youth participation in shaping India’s future. By awarding exceptional children and highlighting their achievements, the government aims to create a culture of excellence, bravery, and service among the next generations.

“Your generation will take India to the goal of a developed India. I see and understand Gen-Z’s capabilities and your confidence, and therefore, I have great faith in you,” Modi reiterated, linking historical courage to modern responsibility. He urged the youth to approach challenges boldly, to innovate, and to contribute meaningfully to society, regardless of age.

Conclusion

Veer Bal Diwas serves as both a commemoration of the past and a call to action for the future, linking the valor of the Sahibzades with the responsibilities of today’s youth. Through the event, Modi and President Murmu sought to instill a sense of patriotism, resilience, and social responsibility in children, while emphasizing the critical role of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in building a Viksit Bharat.

As the celebrations highlighted, age is no barrier to achievement. Whether through acts of bravery, social service, or cultural contribution, the youth have the potential to leave an indelible mark on India’s journey toward self-reliance, modernity, and national pride. The Prime Minister’s address encapsulated this vision, linking historical lessons, contemporary achievements, and future aspirations into a powerful message for India’s young citizens.