New Delhi: The announcement that over 1.92 crore school students from all 36 States and Union Territories enthusiastically participated in Project Veer Gatha 5.0 marks a colossal national achievement. Now in its fifth edition, this Ministry of Education initiative, instituted in 2021, has transcended its original scope to become a monumental movement for patriotic education and nation-building.
Project Veer Gatha’s core mission is to disseminate the inspiring life stories of India’s gallantry awardees, fostering a spirit of courage and sacrifice among the youth333. Its exponential growth is nothing short of remarkable: participation has soared from 8.03 lakh students in Edition 1 to an overwhelming 1.92 crore in Edition 5. This surge demonstrates a powerful national desire among students to connect with the nation’s heroes.
The project aligns perfectly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision, which champions experiential and project-based learning over mere rote memorization. Students were given a creative platform, submitting various entries like poems, paintings, essays, and videos, to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel. Crucially, the initiative encouraged a deep exploration of India’s historical giants from the military strategies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Prithviraj Chauhan to the leaders of the 1857 War of Independence and Tribal Uprisings thereby enriching their knowledge of India’s diverse heritage of valour. Adding to the inspirational quotient, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force Test Pilot, shared a motivational video message with the young participants.
In a significant milestone, Project Veer Gatha 5.0 has achieved international engagement for the first time. The participation of Indian schools abroad reflects the project’s growing impact in strengthening the global Indian diaspora’s bond with the nation’s core values of courage and patriotism.
As the project moves to its final stage, 100 national winners (Super 100) will be selected across the Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary stages. These national winners will receive a cash prize of ₹10,000 each and be felicitated jointly by the Ministries of Education and Defence in New Delhi. Furthermore, 2,956 district winners and 288 State/UT winners will also be recognized, ensuring that the spirit of ‘Veer Gatha’ touches nearly every corner of the country.
The success of Project Veer Gatha 5.0 is a compelling sign that the spirit of patriotism and respect for the Armed Forces are thriving among India’s youth. It is a powerful reminder that history is not just to be read, but to be felt, experienced, and creatively expressed, securing the legacy of India’s bravehearts for the generations to come.
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