President to Confer Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 19 Exceptional Children

New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is set to honour 19 outstanding children with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2024, during an award ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan on January 22, 2024.

The esteemed awards, recognizing excellence in categories such as Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, and Sports, will be presented to 9 boys and 10 girls from diverse regions, including two Aspirational Districts. The recipients, aged between 5 and 18 years, represent 18 states and Union Territories, showcasing exceptional achievements that merit national acclaim.

On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees, fostering a direct interaction with the young talents. Minister of Women & Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani, along with Minister of State, Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, will extend their congratulations to the children, acknowledging their remarkable performances across various categories.

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is bestowed upon children for outstanding accomplishments in Art & Culture, Bravery, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, and Sports. The award comprises a medal and certificate, symbolizing the nation’s recognition of the young achievers.

This year, the Ministry of Women & Child Development implemented strategic measures to encourage nominations, including regional and national newspaper advertisements, an extended nomination period from May 9, 2023, to September 15, 2023, and widespread publicity through different media channels. The nomination process involved thorough verification, including checks by District Magistrates, Domain Experts, a Screening Committee, and National Level Independent Experts representing various domains.

The final selection, conducted by the National Selection Committee, involved a meticulous examination of shortlisted profiles. The utilization of Artificial Intelligence and collaboration with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights further enhanced the integrity of the nomination process, ensuring that the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar continues to be a symbol of excellence and inspiration for young talents across the nation.