New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (January 24) lauded the awardees while he was interacting with 49 children who are winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2020.

"I am amazed that at such an age you all have performed incredible tasks. This must have inspired you to do more good deeds in the future. You have shown the courage to fight difficult situations," PM Modi said.

The 49 awardees are from different regions, including one each from Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The children are winners in the fields of art and culture, innovation, academics, social service, sports and bravery.

Ahead of the interaction, Hridayeshwar Singh Bhati, one of the awardees said that he was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has learnt from him to work for the country.

"I look up to Narendra Modi sir, I have learnt from him that if the country gives you something then you have to give it back in some way or the other,'' he said.

Any child with exceptional achievement in the fields of innovation, academic progress, social service, arts and culture, sports and bravery can apply for the award. 

Also, any person who knows about a meritorious achievement by a child can recommend this child for the award. A high-level committee selects the winners after careful consideration of each application.

On January 22, President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2020 to children under various categories including innovation, scholastic, sports, art and culture, social service and bravery. The awards were given at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Ishan Sharma who saved a Russian tourist from two robbers and Omkar Singh who holds the world record for the youngest theoretical author were among those who were given the Bal Shakti Puraskar 2020 by the President.