New Delhi:
India marked Veer Bal Diwas with deep emotion, national pride, and hope for the future as President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 20 exceptional children selected from 18 states and Union Territories. The ceremony, held in the national capital, celebrated courage, innovation, sports excellence, social service, science, culture, and extraordinary acts of bravery by children who are shaping the future of the nation.
Among the awardees featured on the Bal Puraskar award 2025 winners list were a 14-year-old cricket sensation from Bihar, a 7-year-old world chess champion from Surat, young innovators creating low-cost machines without electricity, fearless children who saved lives at the cost of their own safety, and artists who have taken Indian culture to global audiences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the awardees at Bharat Mandapam, described them as the face of Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, expressing strong confidence that India’s youngest generation would lead the country toward its goal of becoming a developed nation.
A National Celebration of Courage and Talent on Veer Bal Diwas
Veer Bal Diwas is observed every year on 26 December to honour the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who were martyred in 1705 while standing firm against religious persecution during Mughal rule.
In 2022, Prime Minister Modi announced that 26 December would be officially commemorated as Veer Bal Diwas, ensuring that the courage of the Sahibzadas continues to inspire generations of Indian children.
“This day reminds us that age is never a barrier to bravery,” the Prime Minister said. “These young martyrs stood like mountains against tyranny. A nation with such a glorious past and such an inspired youth can achieve anything.”
President Droupadi Murmu Honours India’s Brightest Young Achievers
President Droupadi Murmu, while presenting the awards, congratulated the children and their families, saying that each awardee had brought pride not only to their household but to society and the entire nation.
“All these children have illuminated India’s name through their courage, talent, and dedication,” she said. “I also commend the Ministry of Women and Child Development for identifying and honouring such promising young citizens.”
Two awards were presented posthumously, with the parents of the children receiving the honours on their behalf-moments that moved the audience to silence.
Prime Minister Modi’s Message to India’s Youth: Dream Big, Stay Focused
Prime Minister Modi interacted personally with the award winners, listening to their stories and achievements. In his address, he repeatedly emphasised his faith in India’s youth.
“I see confidence in Gen-Z. I understand their abilities. That is why I trust them,” he said. “You are Gen-Z, you are Gen-Alpha, and your generation will take India toward the goal of a developed nation.”
He urged young Indians not to get distracted by short-term fame or quick success.
“Move ahead with focus. Do not get trapped in short-term glitter. Think clearly, build strong principles, and learn from India’s great role models,” he advised.
Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Cricket Prodigy on the Bal Puraskar Award 2025 Winners List
One of the most talked-about names on the Bal Puraskar award 2025 winners list is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old cricketer from Bihar who has already rewritten record books.
Vaibhav has achieved what many players dream of in an entire career:
- Most sixes in the Under-19 World Cup
- World’s youngest player to score a List-A century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Broke a 39-year-old record previously held by Pakistan’s Zahoor Elahi
- Hit 14 sixes against UAE
- Scored 171 runs off 95 balls in the Under-19 Asia Cup at a strike rate of 180
Because he had travelled to Delhi for the award ceremony, Vaibhav missed his Vijay Hazare match against Manipur-an indication of the significance of the honour.
Surat’s 7-Year-Old Chess Champion Makes History
Another standout achiever is Vaka Lakshmi Prajnyika, a 7-year-old chess player from Surat, Gujarat, who received the award in the sports category.
Lakshmi became World Champion in the Under-7 Girls category at the 2025 FIDE World School Chess Championship, winning all nine matches and securing the gold medal.
Her calm focus, discipline, and flawless performance at such a young age have made her one of India’s most promising chess talents.
Courage Beyond Years: Children Who Risked Their Lives to Save Others
The Bal Puraskar award 2025 winners list also includes children honoured for acts of extraordinary bravery.
Kerala: 11-Year-Old Saves Friends from Electrocution
In Palakkad, Kerala, Mohammed Siddan, aged 11, saved the lives of two friends who were being electrocuted. Using a wooden stick, he managed to separate them from the live current, preventing a tragedy.
Uttar Pradesh: 9-Year-Old Fights Crocodile to Save Father
In Agra, Ajay Raj, just nine years old, attacked a crocodile with a stick to rescue his father from its jaws-an act of courage that stunned even seasoned rescue workers.
Posthumous Bravery Award: Kamlesh Kumar of Bihar
Kamlesh Kumar from Kaimur district, Bihar, was honoured posthumously for sacrificing his life while trying to save another child from drowning in the Durgavati River. His father accepted the award with tears and pride.
Tamil Nadu: Eight-Year-Old Vyoma’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Vyoma Priya lost her life while trying to save a six-year-old child who was electrocuted by a faulty underground cable in a children’s park. Her mother received the bravery award on her behalf, calling her daughter “a child who thought of others before herself.”
Innovation Without Electricity: Young Minds Solving Real Problems
India’s future innovators were also prominently featured on the Bal Puraskar award 2025 winners list.
Assam’s Aishi Prisha Bora
Aishi developed:
- A machine that makes pencils from waste paper
- A grey-water recycling system that converts used water into groundwater
All her innovations are low-cost, eco-friendly, and operate without electricity.
Uttar Pradesh’s Pooja from Barabanki
Seventeen-year-old Pooja, daughter of a labourer and a school cook, invented a dust-free thresher machine that reduces air pollution, earning her the award in the environmental category.
Maharashtra’s Arnav Maharshi
Seventeen-year-old Arnav was honoured in the science category for developing AI-based software applications, one of which has received government patent and copyright protection.
From Conflict Zones to National Glory: Stories of Resilience
Chhattisgarh’s Yogita Mandavi
Born in a former Naxal-affected region, 14-year-old Yogita Mandavi lost her parents early in life. Today, she is a national-level judo player with multiple medals, proving resilience can overcome any hardship.
Jharkhand’s Football Star Anushka
Fourteen-year-old Anushka earned national recognition for her outstanding football performance, becoming a symbol of sporting excellence from eastern India.
Culture, Music, and Digital Fame: India’s Young Artists Shine
West Bengal’s Tabla Prodigy Suman Sarkar
Sixteen-year-old Suman Sarkar from Nadia district has:
- 13 years of tabla training
- 43 national and international awards
- Secured first place 22 times
He was honoured in the arts and culture category.
Mizoram’s 9-Year-Old YouTube Star Esther
Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, aged nine, is a musical sensation with 20 million YouTube followers. Home Minister Amit Shah praised her singing talent and gifted her a guitar.
Social Service and Compassion Recognised
Chandigarh’s Vansh
Seventeen-year-old Vansh received the award for social service and had earlier participated in the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme, earning national recognition for his community work.
Punjab’s Shravan Singh
During Operation Sindoor, 10-year-old Shravan from Firozpur served tea, milk, snacks, and buttermilk to Indian soldiers deployed near his village.
“I just wanted to serve the jawans,” Shravan said. “I never imagined I would receive such an honour.”
What Is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?
The National Child Award, now known as the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, was launched in 1996 by the Government of India. The awards are administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age between 5 and 18 years
- Indian citizen residing in India
Award Categories (7)
- Bravery
- Sports
- Art and Culture
- Innovation
- Science and Technology
- Social Service
- Environment
Award Benefits
- Medal
- Certificate
- Cash prize of ₹1 lakh
- Participation in the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path
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Looking Back: Bal Puraskar 2024 Snapshot
In 2024, 17 children from 14 states and UTs received the award, including Anish Sarkar, then just three years old, who became the youngest chess player to achieve a FIDE ranking.
A Nation Standing with Its Children
Prime Minister Modi concluded by reminding the young achievers that their journey had only just begun.
“You have achieved something remarkable at a young age, but see this as a beginning,” he said. “Your dreams must touch the sky. The nation stands firmly with your talent.”
The Bal Puraskar award 2025 winners list is not just a roll of honour-it is a mirror of India’s future: fearless, innovative, compassionate, and unstoppable.
