Veer Gatha 5.0 records highest participation
New Delhi, Jan 8: Project Veer Gatha 5.0, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education held as part of Republic Day celebrations, has recorded its highest-ever participation since its launch in 2021.
Around 1.92 crore students from nearly 1.90 lakh schools across the country took part in the latest edition. A total of 100 students have been selected as national-level winners, 25 each from the preparatory stage (Classes 3-5) and middle stage (Classes 6-8), and 50 from the secondary stage, with equal representation from Classes 9-10 and 11-12.
Launched on September 8, 2025, Veer Gatha 5.0 introduced new formats to boost student engagement, including short videos such as videography, anchoring, reporting and storytelling. Participants created content based on Samarik Parampara, highlighting India’s military traditions, strategies, campaigns, and stories of valour. Students explored the lives and legacies of Indian warriors and freedom fighters, including King Kharavela of Kalinga, Prithviraj Chauhan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, heroes of the 1857 uprising and leaders of tribal movements, among others. In a significant expansion, CBSE-affiliated schools abroad participated for the first time.
As many as 28,005 students from 91 schools across 18 countries submitted entries, extending the initiative’s global reach.
The project involved school-level activities, interactions with Gallantry awardees and submission of selected entries through the MyGov portal.
After evaluations at the district and state levels, about 4020 entries were shortlisted for national assessment, from which the top 100 “Super-100” winners were chosen.
The winners will be felicitated jointly by the Ministries of Defence and Education in New Delhi. Each will receive a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and an invitation to attend the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path as special guests.
Additional winners will also be honoured at the state, Union Territory and district levels. Launched in 2021 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Project Veer Gatha aims to honour the courage of Gallantry awardees while fostering patriotism among students. Participation has grown steadily, from about 8 lakh students in the first edition to 1.76 crore in Veer Gatha 4.0, culminating in a record turnout for the fifth edition.
