‘It should not be limited to manual knowledge’: PM Narendra Modi calls for youth empowerment on Veer Bal Diwas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the crucial role of the youth in India’s progress and stressed the importance of preparing them for the future by equipping them with skills in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

Speaking at a Veer Bal Diwas event on December 26, Modi emphasized the need to adapt to rapid changes and challenges in various sectors, underlining the government’s youth-focused policies.

“We strive to ensure that our young people are not limited to textbook knowledge. Over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established to inspire innovation among our children. The ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ campaign has been launched to provide practical opportunities to the youth in various fields along with studies,” said the Prime Minister.

“This era has evolved from machines to machine learning, with AI taking center stage. We can already see its applications replacing traditional software. It is vital that we prepare our youth for these challenges,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting young talent and nurturing their confidence.

During the Veer Bal Diwas ceremony, Modi paid tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada, who chose unwavering courage and faith over submission to the oppression of the Mughal Empire.

“More than 300 years ago on December 26, the sahibzadas, despite their youth, showed extraordinary bravery and sacrificed their lives. They resisted all temptations and endured unimaginable torments, proving that for them the cause of the nation was paramount,” Modi remarked, urging the youth to draw inspiration from their legacy.

He pointed out that Veer Bal Diwas provides a timeless lesson. “However difficult the circumstances may be, the cause of the nation is above all else. Every act done for the nation is an act of courage,” he said.

The Prime Minister also interacted with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winners. Seventeen children from 14 states and Union Territories were honored for their outstanding contributions in fields such as art, culture, courage, innovation, science and technology, social services, sports and environment.

Congratulating the awardees, Modi said, “These children have demonstrated the immense potential of India’s youth. On behalf of the nation, I extend my best wishes to all the winners.”

He explained the government’s commitment to empowering youth through targeted policies, saying: “From startups to science, sports to entrepreneurship, a new wave of transformation is underway. Our policies are focused on strengthening young people. Whether it’s the startup ecosystem, the future of the space economy, or sports and fitness, all of our initiatives are youth-centric.”

Modi also launched the ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan’, a program aimed at improving nutrition outcomes through active community participation. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader objective of ensuring the well-being of every Indian.

The Prime Minister exhorted the Indian youth to embrace values ​​like courage, innovation and service to lead the nation towards greater unity and progress.