The President presented awards to 17 children who have achieved extraordinary achievements in various fields

President Draupadi Murmu presented the Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award at a function held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Center in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: ANI

President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday (December 26, 2024) presented the Prime Minister’s National Awards to 17 children, in seven categories, for their exceptional achievements in their fields.

The ‘Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award’ celebrates exceptional achievements in seven categories – art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and environment.

Congratulating the award winners, the President said that the entire country is proud of them. She said that the children have done extraordinary work, achieved amazing achievements, had unlimited potential, incomparable qualities and set an example for the children of the country.

“Providing opportunities and recognizing the talents of children has always been part of our tradition. This tradition should be strengthened so that every child realizes their full potential,’ she said.

“Examples of courage and patriotism in children strengthen faith in the future of the country. Such actions are truly commendable,” she said.

The award winners – seven boys and 10 girls – were selected from 14 states and Union Territories.

Among them were 14-year-old writer and disability advocate Keya Hatkar, recognized for her excellence in arts and culture, 12-year-old Sufi singer Ayaan Sajad from Kashmir, honored for her soulful contribution to Kashmiri music, and 17-year-old Vyas Om Jignesh, who has cerebral palsy, was awarded for his dedication to Sanskrit. yes Literature, memorize more than 5,000 verses.

9-year-old Saurabh Kumar, who saved three girls from drowning, and 17-year-old Lona Thapa, who saved 36 residents from a fire, were honored in the bravery category.

Sindhura Raja (15) was awarded for creating self-stabilizing devices for Parkinson’s patients, and cyber security entrepreneur Rishik Kumar (17) was honored for starting Kashmir’s first cyber security firm in the innovation category. In sports, Hembati Nag, a judo player from the Naxal-affected region, was rewarded for overcoming many challenges to win a silver medal at the Khelo Bharat National Games, as was chess prodigy Anish Sarkar, the youngest FIDE-ranked player at just three years old. the old

“Hembati’s resilience even in the face of adversity is an example of unparalleled courage and determination,” the President said.