(March 8, 2023) In her address at the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023 felicitation ceremony Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, president Droupadi Murmu showered praises on this year’s eleven recipients. The Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, also known as the National Child Awards, is India’s highest honour for exceptional achievers between the ages of five and 18, in innovation, scholastics, sports, art and culture, social service and bravery. “The country whose children are so talented is bound to reach great heights,” said the President during her speech. The youngsters also got the opportunity to meet prime minister Narendra Modi after the felicitation ceremony.
Global Indian celebrates the achievements of all the winners, and on International Women’s Day puts the spotlight on the five girls who received the prize, all of whom have climbed their own mountains to reach where they are today.
Anoushka Jolly
Innovator and social activist
This young innovator’s app, Kavach, spreads awareness against bullying. Anoushka Jolly was a victim of bullying for three years, an experience she describes as the “lowest phase in her life.” It was also a “turning point,” she says, which helped her “identify her life’s purpose – to stop bullying and help kids be happier.”
Anoushka Jolly with the Prime Minister of India
Educational institutions, social organisations and experts have all stood by Anoushka in her endeavour – she also won a Rs 50 lakh investment on Shark Tank. “No one is born a bully; they are usually led into it in one way or another. We need to be open to hearing their side of the story, be empathetic and forgiving because sometimes peer pressure also leads them to bully,” she said in an interview with Global Indian. “However, the good thing is that we can always lead them back to being good,” remarked the Delhi girl.
Alana Meenakshi Kolagatla
Chess player
Ranked world number one in the U-12 girls’ category by FIDE (the International Chess Federation), Alana Meenakshi was described as a “distinguished chess player” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his congratulatory tweet. “Her successes in chess have made her shine in various competitions globally. Her accomplishments will certainly inspire upcoming chess players,” he wrote.
Alana Meenakshi with the President of India
“Kids should do something creative than just watching TV or spending time on mobile phones, she said in an interview with Global Indian, adding, “They should go out and play or, try some arts and crafts. Maybe, they should try learning a new thing like chess,” remarked the Vishakhapatnam girl.
Hanaya Nisar
Martial arts champion
The youngster from Kashmir has won great laurels representing India in multiple international competitions. Hanaya recently brought home a gold in the third World SQAY Championship held at Chingju in South Korea.
Hanaya Nasir with the Prime Minister of India
“I am honoured to receive such a big honour and also interact with the President and the Prime Minister of India,” she said after the award ceremony. “The award and interaction with such dignitaries are going to act as motivators for me to further excel in sports. I aim to make my country, Jammu and Kashmir and my parents proud,” she added.
Gauravi Reddy
Classical dancer
A prolific dancer from Telangana, seventeen-year-old M Gauravi Reddy has performed at various national and international events and is passionate about Indian culture. When she was twelve, Gauravi became the youngest dancer to be nominated to the International Dance Council (UNICEF, Greece) in 2016.
Gauravi Reddy with the President of India
Though the prolific dancer specialises in Kuchipudi, she can also perform other classical Indian dance forms like Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak and Manipuri. “It’s all because of my mother’s support that I have come this far. She has always encouraged me,” said Gauravi in an interview after winning the award. “There is nothing wrong with youngsters being inclined towards western dance forms but at the same time, they should not forget their roots and learn a classical Indian dance form as well,” she added.
Shreya Bhattacharjee
Tabla player
Twelve-year-old Shreya holds a record in the India Book of Records for playing tabla for the longest duration. The young artist received a gold medal at the ninth Cultural Olympiad of Performing Arts held in Singapore.
Shreya Bhattacharjee with the Prime Minister of India
The Assamese prodigy has received various honours and accolades and has emerged champion in the All-North-East Tabla Solo Competition, All India Pt Rupak Kulkarni Music Competition and All India Tabla Solo Competition. “I am very happy to receive the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. Becoming a recipient has increased my responsibilities to take my skills to newer heights and reach out to audiences nationally and internationally,” she said in an interview.
- Watch Rashtriya Bal Puraskar felicitation ceremony on the President of India’s YouTube channel
