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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the younger generation like Gen Z and Gen Alpha would take India on the past of Viksit Bharat. Addressing the students on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, he said, “You are Gen Z and, in a way, Gen Alpha. It is your generation that will take India towards the goal of Viksit Bharat. When I see the capability and strength of Gen Z, I understand it, and that is why I have immense trust in you.” “Today, the nation is observing Veer Bal Diwas. Today, we remember those brave Sahibzadas who are the pride of India. They represent the ultimate expression of India’s indomitable courage, valour and bravery. Those brave Sahibzadas broke the limits of age and circumstance. They stood like a rock against the cruel Mughal Sultanate, shaking the very existence of religious fanaticism and terror. A nation with such a glorious past can achieve anything,” he further said.PM Modi also remarked that the observance of Veer Baal Diwas has helped create a platform to recognize and encourage brave and talented youth.”Whenever December 26th comes around, I feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that we have started celebrating ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ (Brave Children’s Day), inspired by the bravery of the Sahibzadas (sons of Guru Gobind Singh). In the last four years, this new tradition of Veer Bal Diwas has carried the inspiring stories of the Sahibzadas to the new generation. Veer Bal Diwas has also created a platform for courageous and talented young people. Every year, children who achieve remarkable feats for the country in various fields are honoured with the Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award,” he said.On December 26, 1704, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger sons, Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were executed by being bricked alive on the orders of Wazir Khan, the Nawab of Sirhind, after they refused to convert to Islam during Emperor Aurangzeb’s rule. His elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, embraced martyrdom while courageously fighting in the Battle of Chamkaur.PM Modi declared in 2022 that December 26 would be observed as Veer Baal Diwas in remembrance of the martyrdom of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons.
