President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) on children for exceptional achievements in bravery, social service, environment, sports, art and culture, and science and technology at a ceremony in New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, she praised the awardees for bringing pride to their families, communities and the nation, and expressed hope that their achievements would inspire children across India. The President also recalled the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four sons, honouring the courage of the youngest Sahibzadas who stood for truth and justice.
The President lauded children for exceptional achievements in bravery, arts, sports, science, innovation and social service, citing young achievers such as chess prodigy Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika, bravehearts Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P, and sportspersons Shivani Hosuru Uppara and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. She paid tribute to Vyoma Priya and Kamlesh Kumar, who lost their lives saving others, and praised Shravan Singh for aiding soldiers during Operation Sindoor.
President Droupadi Murmu emphasised that a nation’s greatness rests on patriotic children with high ideals, whose achievements should inspire others to serve the country. Each year, up to 25 Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) awards are given, honouring young achievers across categories.
Bravery awardees included Vyoma Priya (Posthumous), who sacrificed her life to save a child, and Kamlesh Kumar (Posthumous), who drowned while rescuing another child. Muhammed Sidan P and Ajay Raj were also recognized for their bravery.
In Art and Culture, Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte’s patriotic songs moved the nation, and tabla prodigy Suman Sarkar earned global acclaim. Environmentalist Pooja developed a machine to reduce agricultural dust, while Shvan Singh and Vansh Tayal received Social Service awards for their contributions to soldiers and child rehabilitation.
In Science, Aishi Prisha Borah promoted eco-friendly practices, and Arnav Anupriya Maharshi developed an AI-based rehab tool for paralysis. Sports awardees included para-athletes Shivani Hosuru Uppara and Jyoti, IPL sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and judo star Yogita Mandavi. Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika, a chess prodigy, won the Under-7 World Championship, and other athletes excelled in football, swimming, weightlifting, and mountaineering.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees at Bharat Mandapam during the Veer Bal Diwas programme, where the Sahibzades of Guru Gobind Singh were also honoured.
