On December 26, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 extraordinary children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The awards recognized their exceptional achievements across diverse fields, including bravery, innovation, sports, art, and culture. This year’s ceremony coincided with Veer Bal Diwas, commemorating the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.    

The recipients ten girls and seven boys from 14 states and Union Territories were each presented with a medal, certificate, and cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Their inspiring stories highlight the incredible potential of young India. Let’s meet some of these remarkable children:  

Bravery: Courage Beyond Years

Kisen Wanniang (15 years old), Meghalaya  
Kisen’s bravery saved four children from drowning in the Maweitksar River. Despite being only 15, he displayed exceptional composure and selflessness, putting his life at risk to protect others.  

Saurav Kumar (9 years old), Bihar 
At just nine, Saurav saved three young girls from drowning in a pond in Sheikhpura, Bihar. His quick thinking and courage averted a potential tragedy, making him a role model for his community.  

Karina Thapa (17 years old), Maharashtra
Karina rescued 36 residents trapped in a building fire, showcasing extraordinary resolve and leadership. Her actions earned her widespread admiration and highlighted the importance of community spirit.  

Innovation: Changing Lives Through Creativity

Sindhoora Raja (15 years old), Karnataka
Sindhoora developed self-stabilizing devices for Parkinson’s patients and affordable prosthetics, revolutionizing assistive technology. Her inventions promise a better quality of life for many.  

Risheek Kumar (17 years old), Jammu and Kashmir
A cybersecurity entrepreneur, Risheek founded *Hackers Pathshala* and created the “Prarthana” app to promote cultural practices. His innovations blend technology with tradition, reflecting India’s rich heritage.  

Sports: Redefining Excellence

Hembati Nag (15 years old), Chhattisgarh
Hembati’s resilience shone through as she overcame challenges from a Naxal-affected area to win a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games. Her determination inspires countless others.  

Priteesmita Bhoi (15 years old), Odisha 
Priteesmita made history by becoming the first Indian to set a world record in the clean-and-jerk category at the IWF World Youth Championships, earning a gold medal and national pride.  

Saanvi Sood (9 years old), Punjab
Saanvi is the youngest Asian girl to summit Mount Kilimanjaro and reach Everest Base Camp. By the age of 8, she had already conquered peaks like Mount Elbrus, Mount Kosciuszko, and Mount Damavand, showcasing unmatched grit and passion for mountaineering.  

Jessy Raj Mathrapu (14 years old), Andhra Pradesh  
An artistic skater, Jessy has won over 43 medals, including a gold at the World Skate Oceania Artistic Championship. Her elegance and dedication elevate India’s status in global skating.  

Goldi Kumari (16 years old), Bihar
Goldi is a divyang shot-put athlete who has excelled in national and state-level competitions, earning numerous top honors. Her achievements challenge stereotypes and inspire inclusivity in sports.  

Arav Bhardwaj (12 years old), Delhi
Arav completed a 1,251 km cycling journey from the Kargil War Memorial to India Gate in honor of Kargil Vijay Diwas. His determination and patriotism were also evident in his earlier 2,612 km ride from Manipur to Delhi.  

Anish Sarkar (3 years old), West Bengal
Anish is the youngest FIDE-ranked chess player in the world, with a rating of 1,555. His precocious talent in chess hints at a bright future in the game.  

Art and Culture: Keeping Traditions Alive  

Keya Hatkar (14 years old), Maharashtra
Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Keya is an accomplished author and disability advocate. Through her books, “Dancing on My Wheels” and “I’m Possible,” she promotes inclusivity and challenges societal norms.  

Ayaan Sajad (12 years old), Jammu and Kashmir
Ayaan is a Sufi singer whose soulful voice resonates with audiences across social media. His efforts preserve Kashmiri music and culture, earning him widespread admiration.  

Janane Narayanan (14 years old), Tamil Nadu
Janane is a Harikatha artist and dedicated Carnatic musician. Recognized with the Kala Illamani Award, she combines her art with devotion, representing India’s cultural richness.  

Vyas Om Jignesh (17 years old), Gujarat
Despite cerebral palsy, Om has memorized over 5,000 Sanskrit shlokas, including the *Sundarkand* and the *Bhagavad Gita.* His performances across 500 shows inspire many to embrace Sanskrit literature.  

Sanchi Aggarwal (8 years old), Uttar Pradesh
An expert in Kathak and Shastri dance, Sanchi holds international records, including completing 80 rounds in one minute of semi-classical dance. Her passion for dance is an ode to India’s artistic heritage.  

A Vision for the Future

President Murmu emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents, stating, “In 2047, when we celebrate the centenary of our independence, these awardees will be enlightened citizens shaping a developed India.” The children’s stories serve as a testament to India’s future potential and inspire a nation to dream big.  

Their achievements symbolize courage, innovation, and determination, embodying the essence of what it means to be the bright future of India.