New Delhi : The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on children who have demonstrated exceptional achievements across diverse fields, including Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, art and culture, and science and technology. The award ceremony was held in New Delhi on December 26, 2025, celebrating the remarkable talent, courage, and dedication of India’s young achievers.
She presented awards to 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories, recognising achievements in art, sports, culture, and innovation. The event coincided with Veer Bal Diwas, honouring the courage of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons—Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. To commemorate their sacrifice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in 2022 that December 26 would be observed annually as Veer Bal Diwas.
Congratulating the recipients of the Puraskar, the President said the award-winning children have brought pride to their families, their communities, and the entire country. She stated that this award has been presented to them for their encouragement.
Addressing the gathering, the President congratulated all the award recipients and said that their accomplishments have brought immense pride not only to their families but also to their communities and the nation as a whole. She noted that the awards serve as encouragement for the young achievers and expressed confidence that their inspiring journeys would motivate children across the country to pursue excellence and serve society.
Reflecting on India’s rich legacy of courage and sacrifice, the President recalled the supreme sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith, and his four sons around 320 years ago in their unwavering commitment to truth and justice. She paid special tribute to the bravery of the two youngest Sahibzadas, whose courage continues to be honoured and revered in India and abroad. She remembered with deep respect the child heroes who laid down their lives with pride for noble ideals.
The President emphasised that a nation’s greatness is assured when patriotism, values, and high ideals guide its children. She expressed happiness over the extraordinary achievements of the award-winning children in fields such as bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports, and art and culture.
Highlighting individual stories, she noted that seven-year-old Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika’s achievements in chess reflect why India is emerging as a global chess powerhouse. Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P were praised for their presence of mind and bravery in saving lives. She paid homage to the courage of nine-year-old Vyoma Priya and eleven-year-old Kamlesh Kumar, who lost their lives while trying to save others. The President also commended ten-year-old Shravan Singh, who, despite the dangers during Operation Sindoor, regularly supplied water, milk, and lassi to Indian soldiers stationed near his border village.
She further lauded Shivani Hosuru Uppara, a differently-abled young athlete who has achieved extraordinary success in sports despite economic and physical challenges, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has carved a niche for himself in the highly competitive world of cricket by setting several records.
Among those, Aishi Prisha Borah, a 14-year-old student innovator from Jorhat, Assam, and Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a 9-year-old singing prodigy from Lunglei, Mizoram, have been recognised at the national level for their outstanding talent, dedication and contribution in Science and Technology and Art & Culture, respectively, reports PTI
Aishi Prisha Borah has demonstrated remarkable innovation in the field of science and technology through projects focused on natural farming practices, newspaper mulching, and the development of a machine to manufacture pencils from newspaper waste. She has represented her school and region at several prestigious platforms, including the Regional Level State Science Exhibition, the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshini in New Delhi, and the National Children’s Science Congress in Ahmedabad. Her achievements include receiving the INSPIRE MANAK State Award (2022) and the Dinanath Pandey Silver Innovator Award at the Innovation Festival 2025. Her consistent pursuit of sustainable solutions and scientific innovation has earned her the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for excellence in Science & Technology.
Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte has captivated audiences across the country with her soulful and heartfelt patriotic song renditions at a very young age. Her performances have garnered more than 20 million views on YouTube, along with over 1.13 million subscribers, earning her widespread appreciation. She has been praised by Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and had the honour of performing at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav Opening Ceremony in Delhi in December 2024, in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Hailing from a humble background, Esther’s journey stands as an inspiring example of talent, perseverance and passion, and she has been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for excellence in the field of Art & Culture.
Concluding her address, the President expressed strong confidence that such brave, talented, and compassionate children would continue to contribute positively to society and play a vital role in shaping a bright and prosperous future for India.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is the highest civilian honour for children in India. It is awarded annually to children in the age group of 5-18 years for their exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements in seven categories.
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All PHOTO COURTESY President’s House
Except Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte & Aishi Prisha Borah, courtesy PTI
