Patna: Project Veer Gatha, launched in 2021 by the ministry of defence in collaboration with the ministry of education to instill the spirit of patriotism in students by sharing the inspiring stories of gallantry awardees and national heroes, is yet to achieve its full potential in Bihar. There is a need for greater awareness and engagement across the state for the success of the initiative.
The initiative encourages students to learn about the selfless courage and sacrifices of India's bravehearts through essays, poems, artwork and multimedia presentations. It serves as a powerful tool for promoting national pride among young minds.
However, despite the noble objectives and the importance of the project, the response has been underwhelming in certain regions, especially in Bihar. For the ongoing Veer Gatha Project 4.0, the target participation for the state was set at 25 lakh students. Yet, only around 11.90 lakh students have engaged with the initiative, accounting for just 47.6% of the target. This gap highlights the need for a renewed focus on awareness and participation.
Patna and Vaishali are among the districts with relatively better involvement, with 1.86 lakh and 1.85 lakh students participating, respectively. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals disparities. For instance, CBSE schools in Patna contributed 1,36,931 participants, while non-CBSE schools had only 49,482. Statewide, non-CBSE schools outnumber CBSE schools in participation with 6,81,907 students from non-CBSE schools compared to 5,08,405 from CBSE schools.
The project involves students from classes III to XII, engaging them in activities such as essays, poems, drawings, and multimedia on topics related to freedom fighters and gallantry awardees. The best entries from each school are selected for district-level competitions with the final winners advancing to state and national levels where they are honoured during Republic Day celebrations.
Despite the project being in its fourth year, many govt schoolteachers are unaware of its existence, which has contributed to low participation. Teachers in remote areas, like Darbhanga, have expressed their lack of knowledge about the initiative, stressing the need for better communication and more detailed information about it. "There are around 3,000 schools in the district and very few teachers know about the project," said a teacher from Mabbi in Darbhanga. "Proper information should be provided to encourage students to take part enthusiastically," he added.
Sanjay Kumar, the state nodal officer for Veer Gatha Project 4.0, acknowledged that there are challenges, such as floods and festive seasons, that may hinder participation. However, he said these obstacles can be overcome by adjusting the timing of the competition to align better with the academic calendar.
The Veer Gatha initiative is more than just an educational competition. It is a vital initiative to honour the sacrifices made by the heroes of the nation. Therefore, the focus should now be on enhancing awareness and ensuring that the noble cause of the initiative is embraced by all. By engaging more students, we can help develop a generation that not only understands but also cherishes the sacrifices made for the nation's freedom and security. Through greater participation, the nation's heroes will inspire the hearts and minds of young Indians.