Launched under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP) in 2021, Project Veer Gatha was created to inspire students by sharing the heroic stories and acts of valor of India’s Gallantry Awardees. The initiative aims to ignite patriotism and civic values among young citizens, encouraging them to celebrate courage, sacrifice, and national pride through creative expression.
Over the years, Project Veer Gatha has given students from schools across India an opportunity to engage in artistic and literary activities poems, essays, paintings, and multimedia projects based on the lives of India’s brave heroes. The most creative submissions are recognized and awarded at the national level by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Ministry of Education (MoE).
The project aligns with India’s Republic Day celebrations each year and has achieved remarkable growth:
- Veer Gatha 1.0 (2021–22): 8 lakh participants
- Veer Gatha 2.0 (2022–23): 19.5 lakh participants
- Veer Gatha 3.0 (2023–24): 1.37 crore participants
- Veer Gatha 4.0 (2024–25): 1.76 crore participants
Both the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri and Minister of Education have praised the initiative as “a revolution among Indian students.”
Minister’s Vision for Veer Gatha 5.0
During the Veer Gatha 4.0 Felicitation Ceremony held on 25 January 2025, the Hon’ble Minister of Education announced several new directions for the upcoming edition:
- Inclusion of Historical Valor: Stories of warriors such as Prithviraj Chauhan, King Kharavela of Kalinga, and the dynasties of Magadha and Cholas will inspire the next edition.
- Integration of Technology: Students will be encouraged to use videography, reporting, and anchoring to depict “Samarik Parampara” (India’s military traditions, strategies, and battles).
- Veer Gatha Corner in Schools: Every school will establish a dedicated Veer Gatha Corner to display creative works and promote participation in future editions.
- National Launch: The Ministry of Defence, in partnership with MoE and MyGov, officially launched Veer Gatha 5.0 (2025–26) with both virtual and in-person awareness sessions to be held across India.
Creative Activities for Students
Students will participate in interdisciplinary and art-integrated projects, expressing bravery and patriotism through:
- Poems, essays, and paragraphs
- Paintings or drawings
- Short videos or multimedia presentations (anchoring, storytelling, or reporting)
These projects will focus on gallantry award winners, warriors of India, and military strategies, connecting past heroism to present-day inspiration.
Categories and Topics
| Category | Grades | Suggested Activities | Sample Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Stage | 3rd–5th | Poem / Paragraph (150 words) / Painting / Drawing | 1. My Role Model is (Gallantry Award Winner) — The values I learned from their life are… 2. (Name of Awardee) gave the supreme sacrifice for our nation. To honor their memory, I would… |
| Middle Stage | 6th–8th | Poem / Paragraph (300 words) / Painting / Drawing / Multimedia Presentation / Short Video | The Indomitable Spirit and Military Strategies of Indian Warriors (Example: Prithviraj Chauhan, Shivaji Maharaj, the Warriors of 1857, or Tribal Heroes) |
| Secondary Stage | 9th–12th | Poem / Essay (750 words) / Painting / Drawing / Multimedia Presentation / Short Video | Choose one warrior or gallantry awardee who inspires you and describe their courage and legacy. |
Project Timelines (Veer Gatha 5.0 – 2025)
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 Sept 2025 | MoE to notify all State/UT Education Departments and Boards. |
| 5 Sept 2025 | States/UTs and Boards to circulate notices to schools. |
| 8 Sept – 31 Oct 2025 | School-level activities and virtual/physical interactions with gallantry awardees. |
| 10 Oct – 31 Oct 2025 | Each school uploads 1 best entry per category (total 4 entries) on the MyGov portal. |
| 1 Nov – 20 Nov 2025 | District-level evaluation by designated nodal officers. |
| 21 Nov – 3 Dec 2025 | State/UT-level evaluation and shortlisting for national level. |
| 4 Dec – 24 Dec 2025 | National-level evaluation by MoE-appointed committee. |
| 27 Dec 2025 | Submission of national-level results to MoE. |
| 30 Dec 2025 | MoE forwards final results to MoD. |
Evaluation Structure
Three Levels of Evaluation:
- District Level – Evaluated by DIET and district officials.
- State/UT Level – Conducted by SCERT or State Education Departments.
- National Level – Reviewed by a central committee constituted by MoE.
Assessment Criteria:
- Originality and creativity
- Presentation and organization
- Supporting arguments or details
- Relevance to the theme
Separate rubrics are provided for essays, poems, multimedia, and paintings (maximum 16 marks per entry).
Rewards and Recognition
| Level | Number of Winners | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| National (Super 100) | 100 Winners (25 from Grades 3–5, 25 from Grades 6–8, 50 from Grades 9–12) | ₹10,000 each + Certificate (Jointly by MoE & MoD) |
| State/UT Level | 8 Winners per State/UT | Felicitation by State/UT Education Department |
| District Level | 4 Winners per District | Felicitation by District Authorities |
All participating students will receive certificates of recognition, and previous national-level winners will not be repeated in future Super 100 lists.
Key References for Students and Teachers
- Gallantry Awards Portal: https://gallantryawards.gov.in
- NCERT Book – “Veer Gatha: Stories of Param Vir Chakra Awardees”: https://ncert.nic.in/pdf/publication/otherpublications/veergatha.pdf
Conclusion: Project Veer Gatha 5.0 continues India’s proud tradition of honoring bravery and sacrifice through education. By combining creativity, history, and technology, this initiative not only immortalizes the spirit of India’s heroes but also empowers students to become aware, patriotic, and responsible citizens.
Disclaimer: All details are based on official notifications from the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education for the academic year 2025–26. Schools are advised to refer to MyGov and MoE circulars for any updates or modifications.