Delhi Government Considers Renaming Schools After Kargil Martyrs to Inspire Patriotism Among Students
In a deeply emotional address, Minister Sood emphasized the need to immortalize the sacrifices of India’s heroes by embedding their memory into the educational institutions that shape future generations. “It is our responsibility to keep the memories of our heroes alive,” he said. According to Sood, renaming schools after martyrs from Delhi would honor the fallen and serve as a daily reminder to students of the courage, values, and patriotism these heroes exemplified.
The commemorative event saw participation from students, faculty, and families of the martyrs, including Captain Sumit Roy’s mother, Swapna Roy, who was present to witness this heartfelt gesture. The atmosphere was one of solemn pride as the community gathered to pay floral tributes and listen to stories of valour that still resonate across the nation.
Sood shared poignant reflections on the youthfulness and bravery of the martyred soldiers, stating, “They were in their early twenties but displayed the leadership and courage of seasoned warriors.” These young officers, barely out of college, became national icons whose gallantry ensured that the Tricolour continued to fly proudly atop India’s peaks.
The minister further elaborated that true patriotism extends beyond the battlefield. In his speech, he called on citizens—especially the youth—to serve the nation in everyday life, saying, “Keeping our surroundings clean, following traffic rules and protecting public property are also acts of national service.” The Education Minister hopes schools named after martyrs will become beacons of civic consciousness, pride, and accountability by instilling this broader interpretation of patriotism.
Sood also referenced the famous line often quoted about freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, “Everyone wishes to draw inspiration from Bhagat Singh, but no one wants him to be born in their own home.” Yet, he added, Indian families continue to raise children who are ready to serve and even sacrifice for the country. This sentiment echoed deeply with the audience, highlighting the ongoing legacy of courage among India’s youth.
The minister commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to create the National War Memorial, calling it a “deeply respectful and humane gesture” for how it honours the families of martyrs daily. “For the first time in decades, the families of fallen soldiers are invited and honoured every evening at the war memorial,” Sood noted, underlining how such efforts help foster a culture of remembrance and gratitude.
On behalf of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Minister Sood reaffirmed the Delhi government’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs. He assured that the state will continue to uphold the honour of those who gave everything for the country and work towards creating educational environments that produce responsible, patriotic citizens.
As the country reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Kargil victory, this proposal to name Delhi’s government schools after the city’s war heroes serves as a powerful symbolic gesture. It signifies a growing awareness that education must go beyond textbooks and exams and nurture values like courage, duty, and service.
By aligning schools' names and identities with brave soldiers' sacrifices, the Delhi government aims to bridge historical memory with modern education, ensuring that students grow up with a living connection to the spirit of national service. This initiative, if implemented, could become a model for other states, showcasing how education can play a central role in preserving the legacy of India’s heroes.
In conclusion, Delhi’s plan to rename schools after martyrs is about honouring the past and shaping the future. It seeks to weave patriotism into the fabric of daily school life, ensuring that every morning assembly, every nameplate, and every student carries forward the memory of those who gave their all for the nation.
