UGC asks HEIs to mark Veer Baal Diwas 2025 with student activities; lists debates, skits, rallies

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to observe Veer Baal Diwas 2025 on December 26 by organising academic and student engagement activities on their campuses, as part of a nationwide observance.

Veer Baal Diwas is observed every year on December 26 to highlight the role of children in national development and public life. The UGC stated that the 2025 observance will be conducted as a coordinated national initiative, with universities and colleges expected to ensure student participation through structured programmes.

In its advisory, the commission has asked HEIs to organise activities linked to the occasion. These include knowledge-based games, debates, elocution programmes, skits, role plays, and slogan writing contests. Institutions have also been advised to hold rallies, awareness walks, group discussions, peer-learning circles, and sports or fitness activities carrying awareness messages.

Also read ‘Last democratic step’: Why 200 OUAT Bhubaneswar research scholars are on hunger strike

Veer Baal Diwas 2025: Objectives of the initiative

“The occasion underscores the importance of nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and inspiring children to actively contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat. The celebration seeks to instil values of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride, while highlighting the vital role children play in building a strong and prosperous nation,” the commission said.

The UGC further asked institutions to encourage students to watch the live telecast of the main Veer Baal Diwas event. The programme will be broadcast on DD National and streamed on YouTube to allow wider access for students across regions.

As part of the compliance process, HEIs have been instructed to upload photographs and records of the activities conducted on their campuses to a Google Drive link shared by the commission. The documentation is intended to record participation and ensure uniform implementation of the observance.