The Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights organised a dignified programme to mark Veer Bal Diwas at the IRDT Auditorium, Survey Chowk, Dehradun. The event paid tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji—Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh—remembered as enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice and unwavering faith.
The programme aimed to promote courage, moral values, self-respect and awareness of child rights among students. Through a message sent on the occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described Veer Bal Diwas as a reminder of the unmatched bravery, resolve and sacrifice of the young martyrs. Students of the Hemkund Sahib Management Trust presented soulful Gurbani kirtan, followed by a collective rendition of Vande Mataram by children, teachers and dignitaries.
Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya said the Sahibzadas’ courage and sacrifice continue to inspire children and youth across generations. She said they stood firmly against injustice and oppression, laying down their lives to protect humanity, values and faith, which remains a golden chapter in Indian history. The minister said Veer Bal Diwas conveys the message that true bravery and sacrifice are not defined by age. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons as Veer Bal Diwas. Calling children the future of the nation, she encouraged them to move forward with confidence and strong values.
During the programme, eight children were honoured for their outstanding achievements at national and state levels. Vaishnavi Singh, Yamair Tomar and Yohana Tomar were awarded certificates for excellence in a national-level shooting competition. At the state level, Suraj Dev Verma and Sarlong Hanse were honoured for sports achievements, Ankit Patel for yoga, Daniraj Tripura for table tennis and Hemphu Sarmon Angthi for an essay competition.
Commission Chairperson Dr Geeta Khanna informed children about child rights, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the POCSO Act and departmental welfare schemes. She highlighted the availability of the 24-hour toll-free emergency helpline 1098 for children in distress. She also appreciated the district administration’s initiative of running a modern intensive care centre at Sadhu Ram Inter College, Dehradun, aimed at rehabilitating children involved in begging or school dropouts by bringing them back into mainstream education.
Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah spoke on children’s rights, duties and moral values, urging students to follow the ideals of great national figures. He shared information about child welfare schemes being implemented by the administration and said ensuring children are safe, educated and empowered is a collective responsibility of society.
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The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Commission Secretary Dr Shiv Kumar Barnwal, who expressed gratitude to all guests, participants, students, teachers and supporting institutions. Several officials, representatives of the Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, educators, students and citizens were present at the event.
