Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the main Veer Bal Diwas programme at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on December 26, paying tribute to the courage of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
- Government directives asked schools, Anganwadis and child care institutions nationwide to host storytelling, recitations, poster‑ and essay‑writing and online activities via MyGov and MyBharat to mark the day.
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees were included at the Bharat Mandapam event, reflecting the observance’s focus on inspiring children and youth.
- The dispute over the observance’s name remained unresolved, with the Akal Takht, SAD, AAP figures and others urging ‘Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’ while BJP leaders defended ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ and cited older Akali positions.
- Leaders across parties paid tributes and hosted programmes across states, including Amit Shah’s ‘Sahibzaadon Ko Naman’ event, a Mumbai tribute by Ram Nath Kovind and state‑level commemorations such as Bhopal’s Gatka displays.