Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in Veer Baal Diwas programme in New Delhi

14-year old disability advocate and motivational speaker from Mumbai and 17-year old brave heart from Amravati receive Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Mumbai, 27 December 2024: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children, in seven categories, for their exceptional achievements at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre today (December 26, 2024). There are seven boys and ten girls coming from 14 states and UTs who were awarded for their extraordinary achievements. Two young girls from Maharashtra also features among these seventeen child awardees.

Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated all award winners and said that the entire country and the society is proud of them. She told children that they have done extraordinary work, achieved amazing accomplishments, have limitless capabilities, and possess incomparable qualities. They have set an example for the children of the country. The President also said that such talented boys and girls will become the builders of a developed India. The President said that examples of patriotism among award-winning children reinforce our faith in the promising future of our country.

PM Modi participated in Veer Baal Diwas today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 3rd Veer Baal Diwas, he said their Government had started the Veer Baal Diwas in memory of the unparalleled bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades. Mr Modi lauded the 17 children who were conferred with Veer Baal awards in the fields of bravery, innovation, science and technology, sports and arts today. He added that today’s awardees ymbolized the capability of the children and youth of India to excel in various fields. The Prime Minister paid his tributes to the Gurus and the brave Sahibzades on the occasion and also congratulated the awardees and their families, stated a press release.

14-year old Keya Hatkar receives Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Fourteen year old Keya Hatkar, hailing from Mumbai, who is an author, disability advocate and motivational speaker, was awarded for excellence in the field of art and culture. The challenges of Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA), a rare, degenerative and potentially life-threatening genetic condition did not deter the young girl from becoming a bestselling author of two books, namely ‘Dancing On My Wheels’ and ‘I M Possible’! Beyond her literary achievements, Keya is also the founder of non-profit initiatives ‘I M Possible’ and ‘SMA-ART’. The fourteen year old delivers inspiring motivational talks, champions inclusivity and engages herself in raising awareness about disability.

A brave heart from Amravati in Maharashtra, 17 year old Karina Thapa was also awarded by the President for her brave act and presence of mind that saved the lives of 36 people. Karina demonstrated remarkable courage during a fire incident. When rescue exercise was going on, the seventeen year old prevented a potential disaster by swiftly removing a gas cylinder from the scene of the fire and thus secured the lives of so many people. The Municipal Corporation Commissioner gave her recognition as a Fire Brand Ambassador this year (2024).

17 year old Karina Thapa receives Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar