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

Project Veer Gatha 5.0, a nationwide initiative celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of India’s gallantry awardees and legendary warriors, has achieved its highest engagement to date, with over 1.92 crore school students from all 36 States and Union Territories participating. Launched in 2021, the project aims to instil patriotism, foster creativity, and enhance experiential learning among school students in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

This edition has not only surpassed all previous participation records but has also expanded its reach internationally, with Indian schools abroad joining the initiative, reinforcing cultural bonds between the diaspora and the nation’s values.

Record-Breaking Participation Over the Years
Since its inception in 2021, Project Veer Gatha has witnessed remarkable growth in student engagement:

• Edition 1: 8.03 lakh students
• Edition 2: 19.5 lakh students
• Edition 3: 1.36 crore students
• Edition 4: 1.76 crore students
• Edition 5: 1.92 crore students
   

The steady rise reflects the project’s increasing popularity and the resonance of its theme—courage, valor, and leadership—among students nationwide.

Celebrating Courage and Historical Legacy
Project Veer Gatha encourages students to explore stories of heroism across Indian history, ranging from modern-day gallantry awardees to historical figures such as:

• King Kharavela of Kalinga
• Prithviraj Chauhan
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
• Freedom fighters of 1857
• Leaders of tribal uprisings
   

Through creative expressions such as poems, paintings, essays, and videos, students learn about the sacrifices made by these figures and are inspired to embody values of bravery, leadership, and resilience. By connecting historical and contemporary narratives, the project fosters a strong sense of national pride and patriotism.

Curriculum and Participation Guidelines
For Edition 5.0, schools conducted activities between 8 September and 10 November 2025, submitting their four best entries to the MyGov portal. The initiative follows a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure, encompassing the Preparatory Stage, Middle Stage, Classes 9–10, and Classes 11–12.

To further enrich student understanding, the Ministry of Defence coordinated virtual and in-person awareness sessions through field units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, allowing students to engage directly with military personnel and gain insights into the values of discipline, courage, and national service.

International Expansion
A significant milestone in 2025 was the international expansion of Project Veer Gatha. Indian schools abroad participated for the first time, emphasizing the project’s global influence and its role in strengthening cultural and patriotic ties between the Indian diaspora and the homeland. This move not only broadens the scope of the initiative but also allows students worldwide to connect with India’s rich legacy of valor and heroism.

Motivational Engagements
Adding momentum to this edition, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a Test Pilot with the Indian Air Force, delivered a motivational address and shared a video message encouraging students to pursue excellence and embody the qualities of bravery, resilience, and leadership. Such interactions provide students with real-world role models, reinforcing the lessons learned through creative submissions and classroom activities.

Awards and Recognition
In keeping with past editions, 100 national winners will be selected this year under the 5+3+3+4 structure:

• 25 winners from the Preparatory Stage
• 25 winners from the Middle Stage
• 25 winners from Classes 9–10
• 25 winners from Classes 11–12

Each national winner will receive ₹10,000, with the felicitation ceremony jointly organized by the Ministries of Education and Defence in New Delhi.

Additionally, the initiative recognizes 2,956 district-level winners and 288 State/UT-level winners, who will be honored by their respective administrations, ensuring recognition at multiple levels and motivating students from all regions to participate actively.

Project Veer Gatha: Linking NEP 2020 and Experiential Learning
Project Veer Gatha is aligned with the NEP 2020 vision, emphasizing experiential, project-based learning. Instead of rote learning, students engage with real stories of bravery and leadership, reflecting on historical and contemporary figures. The initiative:

• Encourages creative expression through art, writing, and multimedia.
• Promotes critical thinking and storytelling skills.
• Inspires students to internalize values of patriotism, courage, and resilience.
   

By combining cultural education with interactive experiences, Project Veer Gatha complements academic curricula while providing students with a holistic understanding of India’s legacy of valor.

Impact and Student Engagement
The sheer scale of participation—1.92 crore students in Edition 5—highlights the project’s wide acceptance and educational impact. Schools across India actively integrate these activities into classrooms, fostering:

• Teamwork and collaboration, as students work in groups to create submissions.
• Leadership skills, as students research and present stories of gallantry.
• National pride, as participants learn about the contributions of India’s heroes, past and present.
   

The project also provides a platform for students to showcase talent, building confidence and encouraging continued engagement with social, cultural, and historical themes.

Conclusion
Project Veer Gatha 5.0 has set a new benchmark in student engagement, with over 1.92 crore participants from India and abroad. By combining creativity, historical exploration, and motivational interactions with armed forces personnel, the initiative instills patriotism, leadership, and resilience in young minds.

The recognition of winners at district, State/UT, and national levels ensures that students receive both acknowledgment and encouragement, further motivating them to pursue excellence in academics and extracurricular activities.

As the project continues to grow, its international expansion, alignment with NEP 2020, and focus on values-based education make it a transformative program. Project Veer Gatha not only educates students about India’s history of valor but also inspires a generation of responsible, courageous, and patriotic citizens.