Veer Baal Diwas: NHRC seeks report from Education Ministry on school awareness programs

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an explanation from the Union Ministry of Education over allegations that schools across India give greater attention to Children's Day celebrations on Nov 14 while providing inadequate awareness and educational activities about Veer Baal Diwas, observed on Dec 26.

The Commission has issued a notice to the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, asking the Ministry to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within 14 days of receiving the notice.

The proceedings, dated Nov 13, 2026, were taken up by an NHRC bench headed by its member Priyank Kanoongo. The Commission acted on a complaint filed by Sanjeev Newar of the Seva Nyay Utthan Foundation.

The complaint raised concerns about the limited attention given to Veer Baal Diwas in schools and the need to educate students about the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

According to the complaint, schools across the country organize programs on Nov 14 to mark Children's Day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. However, the historical significance of Dec 26 and the sacrifices remembered on Veer Baal Diwas have allegedly not received comparable attention.

NHRC seeks clarification on Children's Day observance in schools

Apart from seeking a response to the allegations, the NHRC has asked the Education Ministry to clarify whether the Central Government or any competent authority has issued an official notification, order, or circular declaring Nov 14 as Children's Day.

If such a directive exists, the Ministry has been asked to provide a copy of the notification along with the relevant details.

The Commission has also sought information on whether schools are being encouraged to organize dedicated educational and awareness programs on Dec 26 to mark Veer Baal Diwas.

The requested clarification is intended to establish what institutional arrangements are in place to familiarize school students with the historical importance of the day and the sacrifices of the Sahibzadas.

The complaint specifically highlighted the alleged lack of adequate educational activities explaining the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and historical circumstances associated with the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Complaint highlights need to teach students about four Sahibzadas

The complaint submitted by Sanjeev Newar emphasized that children should be meaningfully sensitized to the supreme sacrifices of the Sahibzadas and the historical circumstances in which they demonstrated extraordinary courage.

It also highlighted the importance of introducing students to the values of bravery, faith, sacrifice, and standing against injustice.

According to the NHRC proceedings, the complainant argued that the historical contribution and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas deserve greater recognition through school-level educational activities.

The complaint stated that while Children's Day celebrations receive attention in schools on November 14, students are allegedly not being adequately exposed to the historical events commemorated through Veer Baal Diwas on Dec 26.

The issue, therefore, concerns not only the observance of a particular day but also the extent to which schools incorporate important chapters of India's history and cultural heritage into students' learning experiences.

NHRC stresses role of schools in promoting historical awareness

The Commission observed that educational institutions have an important responsibility in developing historical awareness, constitutional values, and a sense of national heritage among children.

It said appropriate institutional initiatives were necessary to familiarize students with the significance of Veer Baal Diwas and the sacrifices it commemorates.

The NHRC also emphasized the importance of exposing children to historical accounts that reflect courage, devotion, sacrifice, and resistance to injustice.

Such educational activities can help students understand the circumstances in which the Sahibzadas demonstrated extraordinary bravery and the historical significance of their sacrifices.

The Commission said children should be meaningfully sensitized to these events as part of their broader understanding of India's history and cultural heritage.

NHRC issues notice under Section 12 of Human Rights Act

After examining the allegations, the NHRC concluded that the concerns raised in the complaint warranted examination and intervention under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

The Commission directed its registry to issue a notice to the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The ministry has been asked to submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report within 14 days of receiving the notice, addressing the issues raised in the complaint.

Its response is expected to clarify the existing government directives concerning Children's Day and the measures, if any, being taken to promote awareness of Veer Baal Diwas in educational institutions.

The NHRC's intervention brings attention to the role of schools in preserving historical awareness and ensuring that students learn about important events and personalities associated with India's cultural and historical heritage.

The Ministry's response will address the concerns raised by the complainant regarding the observance of Veer Baal Diwas and the educational initiatives undertaken to familiarize children with the sacrifices of the four Sahibzadas.