President Murmu honours young achievers with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

New Delhi, Dec 26: President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Friday conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on children for their outstanding achievements in fields including bravery, social service, environment, sports, art and culture, and science and technology, at a ceremony held in New Delhi on December 26, 2025.

Addressing the gathering, the President congratulated the awardees and said their achievements had brought pride to their families, communities and the nation. She expressed confidence that the honour would encourage the recipients and inspire children across the country to pursue excellence and uphold high ideals.

Recalling India’s history, President Murmu referred to the sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four sons in the cause of truth and justice nearly 320 years ago. She said the courage of the two youngest Sahibzadas continues to be honoured in India and abroad, and paid tribute to child heroes who laid down their lives with dignity for noble values. The President said a nation’s greatness is assured when its children are imbued with patriotism and moral strength. She noted with happiness that the award-winning children had displayed exceptional talent in diverse fields such as innovation, science and technology, environment, art and culture, social service and sports.

Highlighting individual achievements, she said seven-year-old Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika’s success has helped strengthen India’s reputation as a global chess powerhouse. She praised Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P for saving lives through courage and presence of mind, and remembered Vyoma Priya, aged nine, and Kamlesh Kumar, aged eleven, who lost their lives while rescuing others. The President also mentioned ten-year-old Shravan Singh, who, despite risks during Operation Sindoor, regularly supplied water, milk and lassi to Indian soldiers deployed near his border village. She lauded Shivani Hosuru Uppara for her remarkable sporting achievements despite physical and economic challenges, and said Vaibhav Suryavanshi had carved a niche for himself in the competitive world of cricket by setting multiple records. Expressing confidence in the young achievers, President Murmu said children of such courage and talent would continue to contribute positively and help build a bright future for India.