New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in an inspiring interaction with the 17 young recipients of the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar during the 3rd Veer Baal Diwas celebration at Bharat Mandapam on Tuesday. The prestigious awards recognize outstanding achievements in bravery, innovation, science and technology, sports, and the arts.
During the event, Modi listened intently to the achievements and aspirations of the awardees, commending their contributions and motivating them to continue striving for excellence.
The Prime Minister lauded a young author whose books had inspired her peers to start writing. Another highlight was a multilingual singer with no formal training, who impressed Modi with his ability to perform in Hindi, English, Urdu, and Kashmiri, and his YouTube channel featuring his talent.
A budding chess player shared how he learned the game from his father and YouTube, while a young cyclist recounted his remarkable journey from Kargil War Memorial to the National War Memorial in 13 days, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Divas.
Modi praised a young innovator who developed a self-stabilizing spoon for Parkinson’s patients and a brain age prediction model, expressing hope for her future research. A mountaineer who scaled five peaks in as many countries to promote girl child empowerment and fitness shared her international experiences, receiving warm encouragement from the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also celebrated the accomplishments of a para-athlete who won gold in Thailand, a roller skater with an international gold medal from New Zealand, and a weightlifter with numerous national titles and a world record.
Shri Modi recognized the courage of a young boy who saved lives during a fire in an apartment building and another who rescued people from drowning while swimming, commending their heroism.
Awardees included a girl with international records in semi-classical dance and Sanskrit recitation, a Harikatha performer blending Carnatic music with Sanskrit shlokas, and a judoka with aspirations for Olympic gold.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated all the awardees, emphasizing their role as inspirations for the nation. “Your achievements are a testament to the incredible potential of India’s youth,” he said, wishing them success in their future endeavors.