NEW DELHI, Jan 25: On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the youth as the ‘future heroes of India,’ emphasizing their pivotal role in transforming India into a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He elaborated on the definition of a ‘hero,’ stating that “a hero works for the upliftment of the nation and their efforts provide new direction for society.”
Alongside Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Singh honored the Super-100 awardees of Veer Gatha 4.0 in a ceremony. Out of the 100 recipients, 66 are girls representing various regions of the country. Each winner received a cash prize of Rs 10,000, along with a medal and a certificate. These Super-100 winners will be part of the 10,000 special guests attending the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on Sunday, according to a Defence Ministry statement.
During his address, Rajnath congratulated the winners and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministries of Defence and Education to engage youth with the rich history of the nation’s heroes. He noted that this year saw participation from over 1.76 crore students nationwide, praising the initiative for recognizing brave individuals through educational avenues. He commended the intelligence, enthusiasm, and patriotism exhibited by the participants.
Singh expressed his pride in the fact that two-thirds of the Super-100 winners are girls, highlighting the perseverance of a Class 10 student from Manipur named ‘Nemneineng,’ who despite losing her parents at a young age, excelled academically and secured her spot among the winners.
“India’s standing on the global platform has been elevated by our Prime Minister’s dynamic leadership. Today, when we engage in discussions on the international stage, the world listens, a testament to the efforts of all Indians, including our soldiers, scientists, and our inspired youth. With a significant young population of about 50 crore, how can a nation with such creativity not thrive?” Rajnath challenged the students.
The Defence Minister urged them to draw inspiration from the courageous freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, and other valiant soldiers, whose bravery and sacrifices are etched in history. He stressed that national pride is essential for the development of any country.
Singh encouraged students not to shy away from challenges and to pursue their ambitions with confidence and integrity. He advised them to remain humble and grounded, regardless of the heights they achieve.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that initiatives like Veer Gatha serve to educate students about the valor and sacrifices of gallantry awardees while fostering creativity among the youth. He proudly announced the record-setting participation of 1.76 crore students from over 2.5 lakh schools, engaging in activities like drawing, painting, and essay writing to pay tribute to the heroes of the nation.
Pradhan pointed out that this initiative instills values of patriotism, determination, and national pride, motivating students to actively contribute to the country’s growth. He congratulated all participants for their enthusiasm and respect towards the gallantry awardees and wished the Super-100 awardees a successful future, noting that their creativity and passion would guide them in life.
At the event, Param Vir Chakra Awardee Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar shared his inspiring experiences from the 1999 Kargil War, encouraging students to embody values of bravery, selflessness, and integrity. “True bravery goes beyond combat; it’s about standing up for what’s right in everyday life,” he conveyed, inspiring the young audience.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other senior officials. (UNI)
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