New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 20 exceptional children hailing from 18 states and union territories. This prestigious award acknowledges their remarkable contributions in fields such as art, culture, sports, and innovation.

During her address, President Murmu expressed her heartfelt blessings to the young awardees and their families. “I extend my blessings to all the children. These young achievers have brought pride to their families and communities. I also congratulate their parents and family members for their support,” she stated.

Highlighting the importance of the occasion, the President noted that Veer Bal Diwas is commemorated each year on December 26 to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the Sahibzades, the sons of Sikhism’s tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

“Do you know why we celebrate Veer Bal Diwas? There is a long and inspiring history behind it,” she remarked, praising Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi and her team for orchestrating the award ceremony for such talented children.

Reflecting on historical events, President Murmu shared that approximately 320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh Ji along with his four sons made immense sacrifices for justice and faith.

“On this day, we particularly honor his two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. Their courage continues to inspire generations, and their names are revered in India and worldwide,” she said.

“I pay my respectful homage to the Sahibzades. Veer Bal Diwas is a day of remembrance and a celebration of patriotism, bravery, and national unity,” the President emphasized.

President Murmu remarked that the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar serves as a significant motivator for young minds. “By presenting this award today, you have been encouraged. This recognition will inspire children across the nation to strive for excellence,” she added.

She further commended the talents of the awardees, asserting that all children are equal in the eyes of the nation. “I have interacted with these children and found them extremely talented. Some of the award recipients are as young as seven years old,” she noted.

In attendance was 14-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi, one of the awardees who had come to Delhi to receive the accolade, thus missing his team's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Manipur.

Another recipient, Shravan Singh from Ferozepur, was honored for his altruistic endeavors, providing tea and breakfast to soldiers stationed at the border during Operation Sindoor.

Veer Bal Diwas is dedicated to honoring the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four sons -- Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. To commemorate their sacrifice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that December 26 would be observed annually as Veer Bal Diwas.