President gives children’s award to 20 talented children including cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi

New Delhi . President Draupadi Murmu presented the Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award to 20 talented children of the country, including cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi, on the occasion of Brave Children’s Day on Friday. This prestigious award is given to children in the age group of 5 to 18 years who have brought laurels to the country by making extraordinary contributions in various fields like courage, sports, environmental protection, science and innovation, social service, art and culture.

On this occasion, the President congratulated all the award winning children and said that through their work they have brought pride not only to their families but also to the society and the entire country. He said that it is extremely gratifying to see that today’s India is continuously moving forward on the strength of the talent, courage and sensitivity of its children.

The President said that from the year 2022, December 26 is being celebrated as Valiant Children’s Day. There is a very inspiring chapter of history behind this. Recalling the sacrifice of the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four Sahibzadas, he said that about 320 years ago, they displayed unparalleled courage to protect truth and justice. The President particularly mentioned the bravery of nine-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh and seven-year-old Baba Fateh Singh, who were carved into the living wall. He said that the sacrifice of those great brave children is still remembered with reverence and respect in the country and abroad. Veer Bal Diwas is not only a remembrance of bravery, but it is also a celebration of patriotism and national unity.

The President said that in a country whose children are imbued with high ideals and the spirit of patriotism, both the humanity and the future of that country remain safe. He also mentioned that today is the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of the great revolutionary martyr Udham Singh and on this occasion he paid respectful homage to him on behalf of the countrymen.

In his address, the President said that children are being encouraged through the Prime Minister’s National Children’s Award, so that other children of the country also take inspiration from them and move forward. He expressed happiness that all the 20 children honored this year have shown extraordinary talent in different fields and are performing excellently in their respective fields.

The President said that Vaka Lakshmi Pragyanika, the youngest child to receive the award, is only seven years old, which shows that talent has no age limit. He said that on the strength of such talented children, today India is being seen as an emerging power on the world stage. He praised children like Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P, who saved the lives of others with their bravery and wisdom.

The President became emotional and also remembered those children who sacrificed their lives while saving the lives of others. Referring to nine year old Vyoma Priya and 11 year old Kamlesh Kumar, he said that today their parents have received this award. The President prayed for the peace of his soul.

He also praised 10-year-old Shavan Singh, who delivered milk, water and lassi to the Indian Army soldiers deployed on the border during Operation Sindoor, and said that such examples are an inspiration for the society. The President expressed confidence that all these brave and talented children will continue to do good work in the future and their achievements will inspire other children as well.

Many dignitaries including Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, Minister of State Savitri Thakur were present at the ceremony.