On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, held on Thursday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Child Award to 17 children, recognizing their outstanding achievements in various fields. This year, children from 14 different states and Union Territories were honored, with 7 boys and 10 girls among the recipients.
Diverse Categories for the National Child Award
The National Child Award is presented in seven distinct categories: Arts and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science and Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment. These children were recognized for their exceptional contributions and achievements in these diverse sectors.
PM Modi Meets the Awardees
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also participated in the Veer Bal Diwas celebrations, where he interacted with the awardees of the National Child Award. During his address, PM Modi praised the children’s remarkable accomplishments and highlighted the importance of striving for excellence in every field.
Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Speech
Excellence Should Be the Standard: PM Modi emphasized that India should aspire to be the best in all areas, whether in manufacturing, space, or any other domain. He noted that striving for the highest standards is essential for progress.
Youth’s Vital Role in National Growth: Reflecting on India’s history and its present-day progress, PM Modi stressed that the energy and contributions of youth have always been central to the nation’s development, from the freedom struggle to contemporary movements.
Adapting to Technological Advancements: Speaking about the rapidly changing world, the Prime Minister mentioned that India is moving beyond traditional machinery and embracing machine learning and AI (Artificial Intelligence), emphasizing the importance of preparing youth for the challenges of the future.
Preparing the Next Generation: PM Modi called for preparing India’s youth for the future, highlighting that the country must adapt to the evolving global landscape and technological advancements.
Background of the National Child Award
Introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 1996, the National Child Award is given to children who have shown exceptional abilities and achievements in various fields. The winners also participate in the Republic Day parade on January 26 every year, symbolizing their contribution to the nation.
Eligibility and Categories of the Award
The award is open to children aged 5 to 18 years who are Indian citizens. Children who have demonstrated extraordinary talent or contributions in their respective fields are selected by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The award is given in seven categories: Arts and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Education, Social Service, Sports, and Science and Technology.
Benefits for Awardees
Each awardee receives a medal, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. This recognition serves as an encouragement to continue their exceptional work and inspire others.
2023 Award Winners
In 2023, 11 children from 11 different states and Union Territories were honored. The winners included children recognized for their bravery, social service, innovation, sports achievements, and contributions to arts and culture. Out of the 11 awardees, 5 were girls and 6 were boys.
