Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: From Sindoor to sports - stories of valour in the spotlight

NEW DELHI: From 11-year-old Shavan Singh's heartwarming story of social service during Operation Sindoor - regularly delivering water, milk and lassi to Indian soldiers stationed near his home along the Punjab border - to seven-year-old chess prodigy from Gujarat, Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika, the stories of the 20 recipients of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar reflect resilience, courage and achievement.

On Veer Bal Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu Friday, conferred the awards on children from 18 states for exceptional achievements in bravery, social service, environment, sports, art and culture, and science and technology, at an event organised by women and child development ministry.


Later, PM Modi interacted with the awardees ahead of addressing a programme at Bharat Mandapam and lauded their achievements.

Speaking to TOI, Shavan Singh, a Class IV student from Chak Taran Wali village in Punjab's Ferozepur, said that when drones began flying over his house, he thought of the soldiers stationed on the frontline and asked his parents if he could take essential items for them. Asked if he felt scared, Shavan replied "bilkul nahin" (not at all), adding that he wants to join the Army.

Another inspiring awardee is Vansh Tayal from Chandigarh, recognised in the social service category. Orphaned during the Covid pandemic in 2021, Vansh lives in a child care institution. Despite his own emotional challenges, he volunteered to care for a six-year-old abandoned child with disabilities and contributed to the child's rehabilitation. Now in Class 12, Vansh said he aspires to become a psychologist.

Lauding the children, President Murmu said it is because of talented youngsters like Pragnika that India is considered a chess powerhouse. She also referred to acts of bravery among the awardees. Ajay Raj (9) from Agra saved his father during a crocodile attack, while Mohammed Sidan P (11) from Palakkad in Kerala rescued two friends from electrocution.

Vyoma Priya (9) from Coimbatore and Kamlesh Kumar (11) from Kaimur lost their lives while saving others.

The President also praised differently-abled sportsperson Shivani Hosuru Uppara for overcoming several economic and physical limitations, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Samastipur for making a mark in cricket.

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