The President conferred the Child Award on 20 talented children, including cricketer Vibhu Surya Vanshi.

New Delhi: On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas on Friday, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Prime Minister's National Child Award to 20 talented children from across the country, including cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi. This prestigious award is given to children between the ages of 5 and 18 who have made exceptional achievements in various fields such as adventure, sports, environmental protection, science and innovation, social service, art, and culture, thereby bringing glory to the country.

On this occasion, the President congratulated all the award-winning children, saying that their work is a matter of pride not only for their families but also for society and the entire country. She said it is heartening to see that today's India is continuously progressing on the strength of the talents, courage, and sensitivity of its children.

The President said that since 2022, December 26 is being celebrated as Veer Bal Diwas. This date is associated with a very inspiring chapter in history. Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and his four sons, she said that about 320 years ago, they showed unprecedented bravery in defense of 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 bricked alive. She said that the sacrifice of these great brave children is still remembered with reverence and respect in India and abroad today. Veer Bal Diwas is not only a tribute to bravery but also a celebration of patriotism and national unity.

The President said that in a country where children are filled with high ideals and a sense of patriotism, both humanity and its future are secure. She also noted that today is the birth anniversary of great revolutionary martyr Udham Singh and paid tribute to him on behalf of the nation.

In her address, the President said that the Prime Minister's National Child Award encourages children to move forward, inspiring other children in the country to follow in their footsteps. She expressed happiness that all 20 children who received the award this year have shown exceptional talent in various fields and are performing excellently in their respective fields.

The President said that among the award winners, the youngest is seven-year-old Wakala Lakshmi Parganika, which shows that talent knows no age. She said that it is because of such talented children that India is seen as an emerging power on the global stage today. She praised children like Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sayedan P, who saved the lives of others with their bravery and wisdom.

Emotionally, the President remembered the children who sacrificed their lives while saving others. Referring to nine-year-old Vyum Priya and 11-year-old Kamalesh Kumar, she said that their parents received the award today. The President prayed for the peace of their souls.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, Minister of State Savitri Thakur, and several other dignitaries.