Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Dec: On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas 2025, the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights organised a programme today at the IRDT Auditorium, Survey Chowk, Dehradun. The objective of the programme was to pay homage to the unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, and to promote among children the values of courage, moral integrity, self-respect, and awareness of their rights. Veer Bal Diwas is dedicated to the immortal child heroes of Indian history who, despite their tender age, refused to bow before injustice and sacrificed their lives while steadfastly following the path of truth and righteousness. The programme not only commemorated their valour but also highlighted the contemporary importance of protecting, safeguarding, and empowering children’s rights.
The programme was attended by Dr Shiv Kumar Barnwal, Secretary, Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Dr Satish Kumar Singh, Deputy Secretary, Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Narendrajeet Singh Bindra, President, Hemkunt Sahib Trust / former Chairperson, Minority Commission; Vinod Kaparwan, former Member, Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights; Abhinav Shah, Chief Development Officer, Dehradun; PL Bharti from the Education Department; and members of the Commission’s team.
The programme commenced with registration, during which a large number of students from various schools, teachers, social workers, administrative officers, Commission officials, and members of the public were present. During the registration session, participants were briefed about the programme outline, and specially prepared material for children was distributed.
The session began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries seated on the dais, followed by a brief introduction to the programme and the felicitation of the distinguished guests. The Chairperson of the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights presented a bouquet to the Chief Guest, Minister Rekha Arya (Department of Women Empowerment and Child Development).
The inaugural session set a solemn, inspiring, and emotional tone for the entire event. After the inauguration, all the children, teachers, and dignitaries present in the auditorium sang India’s national song “Vande Mataram” in unison, presented by students of a government school.
Thereafter, the Chairperson of the Commission, Dr Geeta Khanna, delivered the keynote address. In her address, she highlighted the historical significance of Veer Bal Diwas and stated that the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas is not merely an event of the past but a living message for today’s society. She elaborated on children’s rights, education, protection, dignity, and participation, and affirmed that the Commission remains continuously committed to the holistic development and safety of children.
Following the Chairperson’s address, CDO Abhinav Shah delivered the guest address. He shared information about various welfare schemes being implemented by the administration for children and stated that children hold the future of society; therefore, ensuring that they are safe, educated, and empowered is a collective responsibility. He further stated that the State Government is actively working on all child-related schemes and is continuously striving to benefit as many children as possible.
A special attraction of the programme was a musical presentation based on Veer Bal Diwas. Students of Gurmat Sangeet Bal Vidyalaya, under the management of the Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust, presented a soulful and spiritual Gurbani Kirtan, which deeply moved everyone present. The event conveyed a strong message of drawing inspiration from the courage, sacrifice, and devotion of the Sahibzadas and instilling moral and cultural values in the new generation.
Subsequently, Minister Rekha Arya blessed the children and delivered her address. Paying homage to the sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, she stated that Veer Bal Diwas is not merely a day of remembrance but a day of resolve to ensure that every child receives a safe, dignified, and opportunity-filled future. Describing children as the bright future of the nation, she encouraged them to move forward with confidence and strong values. The Minister also presented awards to eight children who demonstrated outstanding performance in various fields. The awardees included Daniraja Tripura (Table Tennis), Hemphu Sarmon Engdhi (Essay Writing), Suraj Dev Verma (Sports), Ankit Patel (Sports), Vaishnavi Singh (Yoga), and three children—Vaishnavi Singh, Yamair Tomar, and Yohana Tomar—for achieving top-level performance at the national level in shooting. This recognition greatly encouraged the children. Thereafter, a group photograph was taken with all the guests, children, and organisers.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed his message on the occasion. The Chief Minister stated that Veer Bal Diwas symbolises the indomitable courage, unwavering resolve, and incomparable sacrifice of those great child heroes who, even at a tender age, stood against injustice, oppression, and unrighteousness, and laid down their lives for the protection of truth and righteousness. Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh are immortal not only in the pages of history but also in the soul of the nation. He expressed hope that the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights would continue organising such programmes in line with its objectives of protecting children’s rights, spreading awareness, and actively intervening in sensitive matters, as such initiatives undoubtedly help develop confidence, moral values, and awareness of constitutional rights and duties among children. He further stated that the State Government remains fully committed to providing children with a safe, dignified, and empowering environment.
In the final segment of the programme, the Secretary of the Commission, Dr Shiv Kumar Barnwal, proposed the vote of thanks.
