President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children, celebrating their exceptional courage and remarkable achievements across diverse fields such as art, culture, and sports.
This prestigious award acknowledges excellence in seven categories: art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports, and environment.
The recipients, comprising seven boys and 10 girls from 14 states and Union Territories, were honored with a medal, certificate, and citation booklet.
Among the honourees was 14-year-old Keya Hatkar, a disability advocate and author recognized for her contributions to art and culture. Living with spinal muscular atrophy, Keya is a bestselling author and founder of initiatives like “IMPOSSIBLE” and “SMA-ART,” which promote inclusivity and awareness.
Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, was celebrated for his soulful renditions of Kashmiri music, including popular hits like Beder Dad Chane, which have inspired many to embrace their cultural heritage.
Vyas Om Jignesh, a 17-year-old with cerebral palsy, earned recognition for his devotion to Sanskrit literature. Having memorized over 5,000 shlokas and performed in more than 500 shows nationwide, Vyas has become a symbol of cultural preservation and resilience.
In the bravery category, Saurav Kumar, 9, received an award for saving three girls from drowning. Similarly, 17-year-old Ioanna Thapa was commended for her heroic rescue of 36 residents during a flat fire, demonstrating quick thinking and valor.
The innovation award went to Sindhoora Raja, 15, for her self-stabilizing devices that aid Parkinson’s patients, transforming lives with her technological ingenuity.
Cybersecurity entrepreneur Risheek Kumar, 17, was recognized for establishing Kashmir’s first cybersecurity firm and launching the “Hack Free Bharat” initiative.
In sports, Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected region, was celebrated for her silver medal at the Khelo India National Games, while 9-year-old Saanvi Sood earned acclaim for her record-breaking mountaineering feats, including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Additionally, 3-year-old chess prodigy Anish Sarkar made history as the youngest FIDE-ranked player.
President Murmu congratulated the awardees, emphasizing their role as an inspiration for their generation and their contributions to society.
The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development announced that Veer Bal Diwas and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar would be celebrated nationwide to highlight the potential and achievements of India’s youth.