President Droupadi Murmu on Friday distributed the ‘Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar’ awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to commemorate the bravery and courage of India’s young heroes, in memory of the valour and sacrifice exhibited by the two younger sons of the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.
December 26 is observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ in memory of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, who had given up their lives while defending their faith. The day also marks the passing away of Mata Gujri, Guru Gobind Singh’s mother.
Archana Sivaramakrishnan accepted the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on behalf of her late daughter, Vyoma Priya, an 8-year-old who had bravely tried to save a 6-year-old boy from an electrified slide in their apartment park. She lost her life in the process.
“I am receiving the bravery award on behalf of our daughter, Vyoma Priya. She was 8 years old when she was playing in the children’s park in our apartment complex. A slide in the park was installed over a damaged underground cable, which electrified the slide. A 6-year-old boy playing on it fell, and our Vyoma tried to rescue him, but was caught in the current herself. It is a bittersweet moment for us to be getting this award... We wish she could have been here to receive this award herself,” Archana said emotionally.
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Another Bal Puraskar awardee received the honour for serving Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor. “When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily... I feel great to be awarded. I had never dreamt of it...” he said.
It was on the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on January 9, 2022, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that December 26 would be observed as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’, whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
The Prime Minister will also be participating in a national programme marking the day at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
The government has also organised participative programmes across the country with the objective of informing and educating citizens about the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, and to honour and commemorate the indomitable courage, sacrifice, and valour of the young heroes of India’s history. The activities will include storytelling sessions, recitations, and poster-making and essay-writing competitions, among others.
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