Nineteen remarkable children were honored with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024, in recognition of their exceptional achievements. These young individuals have demonstrated outstanding prowess in various fields, ranging from mountaineering and artificial intelligence to art and culture. The national awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu, acknowledging the incredible accomplishments of these talented children.
Among the recipients was Aaditya Vijay Brahmane, a twelve-year-old boy from Maharashtra who was awarded posthumously for his extraordinary act of bravery. Aaditya sacrificed his life to save his cousins from drowning in a river while they were playing. His courage and selflessness were honored and recognized.
Another notable awardee was Aryan Singh, a seventeen-year-old from Rajasthan. Singh ingeniously created an Agrobot, an artificial intelligence-powered robot aimed at simplifying the lives of farmers by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT).
In Chhattisgarh, Armaan Ubhrani, popularly known as the ‘Google boy,’ received the award for his exceptional aptitude in mathematics and science. At just six years old, Ubhrani has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the youngest author of a book series and solving 100 multiplication sums. His brilliance has gained recognition both nationally and internationally.
In the realm of art and culture, eight-year-old Anushka Pathak from Uttar Pradesh has established herself in the field of ‘Katha Vachan’ or religious text narration. Following in her esteemed father’s footsteps, Anushka has mesmerized audiences across 22 states with her captivating performances, becoming a recognized figure in the spiritual realm.
Thirteen-year-old Arijeet Banerjee from West Bengal has made an indelible mark on the cultural landscape through his prodigious talent in playing the traditional Pakhawaj. Having performed at prestigious events like the International Dhrupad Festival, Arijeet has received accolades such as the Bharat Ratna M S Subbulakshmi Fellowship and the Asia Book of Records.
Despite facing severe cerebral palsy, thirteen-year-old Hetvi Kantibhai Khimsuriya from Gujarat has displayed extraordinary artistic abilities. Hetvi has created 250 works of freehand painting, received numerous awards, and selflessly donated her monthly disability pension to support differently abled children.
In Jammu and Kashmir, twelve-year-old Ishfaq Hamid has become a maestro of Rabab and Matka, receiving accolades during various festivals and being honored with the Bhai Mardana National Award in 2020.
Sixteen-year-old Md Hussain from Bihar has excelled in handcrafted arts, winning accolades in state and national-level competitions. He even had the opportunity to present his indigenous toys to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ program.
These are just a few examples of the extraordinary talent and accomplishment displayed by the 19 children honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024. Each of them has made a significant impact in their respective fields, showcasing their dedication, passion, and exceptional abilities at a young age. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for other children and a testament to the power of determination and talent.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, bestowed upon these remarkable children, not only recognizes their individual achievements but also encourages and nurtures young talent across diverse disciplines. The recognition and support provided by this prestigious award will undoubtedly propel these children to reach even greater heights in their respective fields in the future.
