Raksha Mantri and Education Minister Felicitate Super-100 Winners of Veer Gatha

New Delhi: In a remarkable celebration of patriotism and creativity, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan felicitated the Super-100 winners of Veer Gatha 4.0 at a grand ceremony in the capital. Among the winners, 66 were girls, showcasing the immense talent and determination of young minds across the nation.

The winners, selected from over 1.76 crore students across 2.5 lakh schools, received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each, along with a medal and certificate. These students are part of approximately 10,000 special guests who will witness the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2025.

In his address, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh applauded the joint efforts of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education in connecting the youth with the rich legacy of India’s bravehearts through the Veer Gatha initiative. He emphasized the competition’s success in recognizing and honoring gallantry award winners through educational efforts.

Highlighting the participation of girls, Singh commended the achievements of Class 10 student Nemneineng from Manipur, who overcame significant personal hardships to earn her place among the winners. Her story of perseverance serves as a testament to the spirit of India’s youth.

“Heroes are those who uplift the nation and inspire society through their actions,” Singh said, urging the youth to take inspiration from India’s freedom fighters and soldiers. He emphasized their role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted how Veer Gatha fosters creativity and patriotism in students while educating them about the sacrifices of gallantry award winners. He praised the overwhelming participation in activities like drawing, painting, and essay writing, which paid heartfelt tributes to India’s heroes.

“This initiative instills values of grit, discipline, and national pride in students, inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” Pradhan said, congratulating the winners and wishing them a bright future.

Adding to the event’s inspiration, Param Vir Chakra awardee Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar recounted his experiences from the 1999 Kargil War, urging students to embrace bravery and integrity in their everyday lives. “True bravery lies not just in combat but in standing up for what is right,” he shared, leaving a lasting impression on the young audience.

The ceremony was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other senior officials, including service chiefs and education leaders.

The Veer Gatha Project, now in its fourth edition, continues to inspire India’s youth by blending creativity with patriotism, paving the way for a generation dedicated to the values of courage, discipline, and national pride.