Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Sikh gurus have taught Indians to live for the glory of their land and served as an inspiration to make the country better and developed.
Speaking at a “Veer Bal Diwas” event to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Modi said India is now coming out of the “mindset of slavery” and has full faith in its people, their abilities and heritage.
He said the next 25 years will bring huge opportunities for the country’s youth and the government has a clear roadmap and a vision to fulfil their unlimited dreams.
The PM said the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were executed by the Mughals, are not only being remembered in India but also globally, including in the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE and Greece.
He said the nation was deriving inspiration from the sacrifices of the two “Sahibzadas” as a new chapter of “Veer Bal Diwas” unfolds in the “Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal”.
“Veer Bal Diwas is a symbol of the never-say-die attitude for the protection of Bhartiyata (Indianness),” the PM said, adding: “This day reminds us that age does not matter when it comes to bravery.”
Calling it a celebration of the heritage of the Sikh Gurus, the PM said the courage and ideals of the tenth Guru and his four “Sahibzadas” embolden every Indian even today.
He said the world only took notice of Indian heritage when Indians gave it its due respect. “Today when we are taking pride in our heritage, the world’s viewpoint has also changed,” he said.
He said he was happy to note that today’s India was shedding the mentality of slavery and had confidence in the capabilities, inspirations and people of the country.
The PM emphasised that India was playing a key role in solving the global problems of economy, science, research, sports and diplomacy. “This is India’s time. The next 25 years will showcase India’s capabilities,” he said, stressing the need to follow “panch pran” and not waste even a single moment.
The PM asked the youth to give top priority to their health. He asked them to stick to a good diet, opt for digital detoxification and shun the use of narcotics. “We have to protect our youth from drug menace,” he said, urging all religious leaders along with the government and families to launch a campaign against drugs.
“Everyone’s effort is imperative to build a strong and capable youth for a developed India,” he said.
To mark Veer Bal Diwas, the government is organising participatory programmes across the country to inform people, especially young children, about the story of the exemplary courage of the “Sahibzadas”. A film will also be screened nationwide. (IE)
