Project Veer Gatha 5.0 Sees Record Participation of 1.92 Crore Students Across India

Project Veer Gatha 5.0 has recorded its highest-ever participation, with more than 1.92 crore students from all 36 States and Union Territories contributing creative tributes to India’s Armed Forces. Students expressed their admiration through poems, essays, paintings, videos and other formats, honouring the bravery of soldiers and legendary warriors.

Participants explored the lives and strategies of iconic figures such as King Kharavela of Kalinga, Prithviraj Chauhan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the freedom fighters of 1857, and leaders of several tribal uprisings.

Launched in 2021, Project Veer Gatha aims to familiarise students with the stories of gallantry awardees and promote experiential learning—aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By allowing students to present creative interpretations of acts of valour, the initiative strengthens patriotism and emotional connection to national heroes.

This year’s edition continued to grow in scale. Schools conducted activities from September 8 to November 10, 2025, and uploaded their best entries on the MyGov portal. The Ministry of Defence further supported the effort through virtual interactions and awareness sessions led by the Army, Navy and Air Force, enabling students to hear firsthand stories of courage.

Participation Growth Over Editions

• Edition 1: 8.03 lakh

• Edition 2: 19.5 lakh

• Edition 3: 1.36 crore

• Edition 4: 1.76 crore

• Edition 5: 1.92 crore

For the first time, Indian students abroad also joined the initiative, reflecting its expanding global reach and its ability to keep young diaspora members connected to India’s legacy of sacrifice and heroism.

Adding to the motivation, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Test Pilot, Indian Air Force, shared an inspirational message encouraging students to pursue excellence and uphold the values celebrated through Veer Gatha.

National and State-Level Recognition

Project Veer Gatha 5.0 will honour 100 national winners, following the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 structure:

• Preparatory Stage: 25 winners

• Middle Stage: 25 winners

• Secondary (Classes 9–10): 25 winners

• Secondary (Classes 11–12): 25 winners

Each national winner will receive a ₹10,000 cash prize at a joint felicitation ceremony in New Delhi.

Additionally, the project will recognise 2,956 district-level winners (four per district) and 288 State/UT-level winners (eight per State/UT), who will be felicitated by local authorities.