In a grand ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on 26th December 2024, President Droupadi Murmu honoured 17 extraordinary children with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. Organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this award is the highest civilian honour for children in India.
The 17 recipients, including seven boys and ten girls from 14 states and Union Territories, were recognised for their exceptional achievements across seven categories: Bravery, Art and Culture, Environment, Innovation, Science and Technology, Social Service, and Sports. Each honouree received medals, certificates, and citation booklets to commemorate their contributions.
Congratulating the young achievers, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her pride in their accomplishments. She noted that these children have set remarkable examples for the youth of India through their extraordinary work. Highlighting their potential, she said, ¡°These talented boys and girls will be the architects of a developed India when the country celebrates its centenary of independence in 2047.¡±
President Murmu emphasised India¡¯s tradition of recognising and nurturing talent among children, calling for this legacy to be further strengthened.
The awardees have demonstrated remarkable abilities in their respective fields, inspiring the nation.
- Saurav Kumar, a 9-year-old, displayed immense courage by saving three girls from drowning.
-Ioanna Thapa, aged 17, rescued 36 residents during a fire, earning admiration for her bravery.
-Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, was honoured for his contributions to Kashmiri music. His songs, including hits like "Beder Dad Chane," have gained widespread popularity on social media, inspiring young people to connect with their roots.
-Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old disability advocate living with spinal muscular atrophy, was recognised for her initiatives like "IM POSSIBLE" and "SMA-ART," promoting inclusivity.
-Sindhoora Raja, 15, developed self-stabilising devices to assist Parkinson's patients.
-Risheek Kumar, 17, launched Kashmir's first cybersecurity firm, demonstrating technological excellence.
-Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected region, won a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games.
-3-year-old Anish Sarkar, the youngest FIDE-ranked chess player at just three years old, impressed everyone with his achievements.
-9-year-old Saanvi Sood the only child from Punjab honoured for climbed and hoisted the Indian flag on several of the highest peaks, such as the Everest base camp, Africa's highest peak, Australia's highest peak, and Russia and Iran's highest peaks.
-Vyas Om Jignesh, a 17-year-old with cerebral palsy, memorised over 5,000 shlokas and performed in more than 500 Sanskrit shows.
During the event, President Murmu also commemorated the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh¡¯s sons, remembered on December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas. She remarked, ¡°Their sacrifices for faith and self-respect continue to inspire generations. The nation bows in reverence to their bravery and indomitable spirit.¡±
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar continues to highlight the incredible capabilities of children aged 5 to 18 years. This award not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires millions of children across the country to strive for excellence in diverse fields.
By honouring these young achievers, President Droupadi Murmu has reaffirmed the nation¡¯s commitment to nurturing and recognising the talents of its future leaders.
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