Chandigarh, December 12 — Reaffirming the Haryana government’s commitment to honouring the unparalleled sacrifice of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday virtually inaugurated an essay writing competition across schools in the state to commemorate ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
The initiative aims to ensure that the message of the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom, courage and steadfast commitment to truth reaches every child in Haryana. Lakhs of students joined the virtual event from different districts, during which the Chief Minister interacted with them and encouraged them to reflect on the inspirational lives of the young martyrs.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that reading and understanding the Sahibzadas’ story reinforces clarity of purpose and strengthens determination among students. He added that the competition is being held in four languages, Hindi, English, Punjabi and Sanskrit, so that children can express their thoughts with ease and showcase their abilities through well-crafted essays. He conveyed his best wishes to all participants.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the younger Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji—Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh—exemplified exceptional bravery at just nine and six years of age. Their sacrifice, he said, stands as an eternal symbol of courage and truth. He also recalled that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi decided in 2022 to observe December 26 every year as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, ensuring national remembrance of these heroic children.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini urged students to recognise that responsibility and moral courage do not depend on age. Every child, he said, must fulfill their duties with honesty, protect cultural values and contribute to nation-building. Students should face challenges fearlessly and remember that real bravery lies in standing up for the truth.
Teachers, like Guru Gobind Singh Ji, must instil values of courage and character
The Chief Minister said that teachers play the role of guides and nation-builders. Just as Guru Gobind Singh Ji nurtured courage and righteousness in his sons, today’s teachers shape the thoughts and character of the next generation. He encouraged teachers to focus not only on academics but also on instilling values, discipline, compassion and integrity in students, as these form the foundation of a strong society. He emphasised that students must draw lessons of discipline, courage, principles and patriotism from the Sahibzadas’ lives.
If every child adopts the Sahibzadas’ values, schools will become true centres of character-building
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana’s schools would achieve their highest purpose if every student internalised the values demonstrated by the Sahibzadas. He encouraged small, everyday acts, helping classmates, maintaining cleanliness, respecting teachers, supporting weaker students, speaking the truth and opposing wrongdoing, as meaningful steps towards becoming responsible citizens.
The Chief Minister said that such competitions strengthen children’s connection with their heritage and inspire pride in history. He announced the prize money for the competition, State level cash reward of Rs. 21,000 for first prize, Rs. 11,000 for second and Rs. 5,100 for third (for Hindi, English, Sanskrit and Punjabi). District level, a cash reward of Rs. 3,100 for the first prize.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini Saini urged society to remember the young martyrs and pledged that together we must build an India where every child grows up to be honest, hardworking and patriotic.
Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, School Education, Sh. Vineet Garg, Deputy Principal Secretary, Sh. Yash Pal and OSD, Dr. Prabhleen Singh and other senior officers remained present.
