The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging inadequate recognition of Veer Baal Diwas in schools across the country and issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Education, seeking a detailed Action Taken Report within 14 days, news agency ANI reported on Thursday.

Source: ANI via Jharkhand Times

The complaint was filed by Sanjeev Newar of the Seva Nyay Utthan Foundation. It raised concerns over the manner in which Children's Day is observed in several schools on November 14 and the alleged lack of adequate awareness among students about the historical significance of Veer Baal Diwas, observed on December 26.

According to the complaint, while several schools organise programmes to celebrate Children's Day on November 14, the extraordinary courage, sacrifice and martyrdom of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, commemorated on December 26 as Veer Baal Diwas, do not receive adequate recognition, and students are not being sufficiently exposed to this chapter of Indian history. These are the complaint's allegations, which the Ministry has been asked to answer.

13 Nov 2026NHRC Bench takes cognisance
14 daysTime given for Action Taken Report
26 DecVeer Baal Diwas, observed every year
Section 12Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993

What the Commission has asked the Ministry

On November 13, 2026, the NHRC Bench headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of the matter under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, ANI reported via DevDiscourse. The Commission issued the notice to the Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.

The Ministry has been asked to clarify whether the Government of India or any competent authority has issued an official notification, order or circular designating November 14 as Children's Day, and, if such an order exists, to provide a copy along with relevant details.

The Commission has also sought the Ministry's response on whether special educational and awareness programmes are organised in schools on December 26, Veer Baal Diwas, to familiarise students with the courage, sacrifice and historical contribution of the Sahibzadas.

Emphasising the matter from the perspective of children's historical awareness, education and exposure to India's heritage, the Bench observed that educational institutions have a responsibility to familiarise students with inspiring chapters of Indian history — chapters that, it said, embody courage, sacrifice, devotion and the determination to stand against injustice. The Ministry is required to submit its response within the stipulated 14-day period.