Prez Awards 17 Children for Exceptional Achievements

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India's highest civilian honour for children, to 17 children, including two teenagers from Maharashtra.

- Vrinda Tulsian

New Delhi: The award recognises children's exceptional courage and outstanding achievements across diverse fields, including art, culture, sports and innovation.

While presenting the awards to seven boys and 10 girls from 14 states and union territories, the president underlined the importance of nurturing and celebrating young talents. "Providing opportunities and recognising children's talents has always been a part of our tradition. This tradition should be further strengthened to ensure that every child realises their full potential," she said.

The honourees were presented with a medal, certificate, and citation booklet at a ceremony held on Veer Bal Diwas instead of a conferring ceremony during Republic Day celebrations in January, as the government wanted a ceremony dedicated to the children.

The awardees included two girls from Maharashtra: Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate who was recognised for her excellence in art and culture; and 17-year-old Kareena Thapa, who was honoured for rescuing 36 residents from a fire in Amravati.