Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Table of Contents

Established in 1996, the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is India’s highest civilian honor for children. This article explores the prestigious award, its categories, nomination process, and the incredible achievements it celebrates

Introduction

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, a prestigious award instituted by the Government of India, aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of children in various fields. This award not only honors their accomplishments but also serves as a source of inspiration for the youth of the nation. In this article, we delve into the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, its history, eligibility criteria, and the impact it has on the young achievers of India.

What is Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is a national award conferred by the President of India as a part of the Republic Day celebrations. It recognizes children with exceptional abilities and outstanding accomplishments in various fields such as innovation, social service, scholastic achievements, arts and culture, sports, bravery, and more. The award aims to encourage children to excel in their chosen fields and serves as a platform to showcase their talent on a national level.

History of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar was first instituted in the year 1996 as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement. Over the years, it has evolved into a prestigious honor that highlights the remarkable achievements of children across India. The award ceremony is held annually on the occasion of Children’s Day, recognizing and felicitating the young achievers in the presence of dignitaries and leaders from various fields.

Eligibility Criteria for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

i) Age Limit: To be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, a child must be an Indian citizen between the ages of 5 to 18 years.

ii) Excellence in any one of the following fields (Achievements that benefit society will be encouraged) : The child should have demonstrated exceptional abilities and achievements in their respective fields, showcasing innovation, leadership, social service, academic excellence, artistic talent, sportsmanship, or acts of bravery.This includes:

Innovation: Innovation in the field of science and social science may be considered. The initiative taken to impact human lives as well as ecology and environment in a positive manner may be considered.
Social Service: Leadership skills in motivating and mobilizing society against social evils like child marriage, sexual abuse, alcoholism etc should be encouraged.
Scholastic: Consistent achievements in scholastic at National and International level to be encouraged.
Sports: Consistent achievements in sports at National and International levels to be encouraged.
Art & Culture: Consistent achievements in art & culture at National and International level in art, music (vocal & instrumental), dance, painting or any other form of art/culture
Bravery:To acknowledge and encourage:-

• Selfless service in the face of risk to her/his own life;

• And/or an act of outstanding courage and daring against an adverse natural or manmade situations.

• And/or an exceptional act of mental strength , quick wit and presence of mind in the face of grave danger to self and society

iii) The achievement should not be one-off, but carried out over a period of time. The achievements should be indicative of child’s passion in respective field and suggestive of a bright future in particular field.

iv) Context and background of the child should also be criteria. For example, achievements of a child in different circumstances should be given weigtage.

Impact of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar has a profound impact on the young achievers of India. It not only recognizes their efforts and talents but also motivates them to strive for excellence in their chosen fields. The award serves as a catalyst for their personal and professional growth, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment in the recipients. Moreover, it inspires other children to pursue their passions and dreams, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in the country.

Nomination Process for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

The nomination process for the PMRBP is typically open from September to November each year. Nominations can be submitted online through the official portal of the WCD or through state governments and union territories.

Here’s a breakdown of the nomination process:

Eligibility Criteria: Children between the age group of 5 and 18 years are eligible for the award, with their achievements falling within the specified categories.
Required Documents: The nomination form needs to be accompanied by supporting documents that provide evidence of the child’s accomplishments. These may include certificates, awards, recommendations from teachers/institutions, or media clippings.
Selection Process: A meticulous selection process is undertaken by a high-level committee comprising eminent personalities from various fields. Nominations are evaluated based on the merit and impact of the child’s achievements.

The Recognition and Benefits of Receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Being selected for the PMRBP is a prestigious honor that brings immense recognition and opportunities to the awardees. Here’s what a PMRBP recipient receives:

A medal and a certificate: A memento of their achievement presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function.
Cash Prize: Awardees receive a one-time financial reward from the Government of India.
National Recognition: The PMRB awardees are accorded national recognition, and their stories are featured in media platforms, inspiring countless others.
Interaction with the Prime Minister: Awardees have the unique opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister of India.
Participation in Republic Day Parade: They get the honor of participating in the prestigious Republic Day Parade held in New Delhi.

Arrangements for the Awards:

MWCD will organize the function/ceremony relating to conferment of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
The Ministry concerned i.e MoD, MHA, MHRD, MoR, MoYA, Ministry of Civil Aviation, MoI&B will be requested to extend necessary support/facilities to the awardees.
These Awards shall be given in the week preceding the Republic Day Week.
Arrangements for boarding, lodging, transportation of awardees and their escorts as per admissible norms, shall be done by MWCD.
MWCD will reimburse the Air fare expenses incurred by the Awardees of Bal Shakti Puraskar as also his/her parents or guardians (maximum two numbers excluding awardee), by Air India in economy class or actual expenses incurred on this account, whichever is less. Only awardee of Bal Kalyan Puraskar(Individual and Institution), will be reimbursed the Air fare expenses incurred by the Awardees by Air India in economy class or actual expenses incurred on this account, whichever is less, by MWCD.
Local awardees will be entitled for local transport as per Government Rules.
Every year, MMTC will provide the medals for the awardees.
The application of an awardee of a particular year will not be considered in future.

Inspiring Examples of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awardees

The PMRBP boasts a remarkable list of awardees who have shone brightly in their respective fields. Here are a few inspiring examples:

Akash Manoj (2017): A visually impaired child prodigy who excelled in classical music, particularly in playing the Santoor.
Zaira Wasim (2017): A young Kashmiri actress who garnered international acclaim for her performance in the movie “Dangal.”
R Praggnanandhaa (2019): A chess prodigy who achieved the title of Grandmaster at the tender age of 12.
Jyoti Kumari (2021): A 15-year-old girl who displayed remarkable courage by saving many lives during floods in Bihar.

FAQ about Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Q: How can a child be nominated for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

A: Nominations for the award can be made online through the official website of the Ministry of Women and Child Development or through the prescribed format available on the portal.

Q: What are the different categories under which the award is given?

A: The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is awarded in various categories such as innovation, scholastic achievements, social service, arts and culture, sports, bravery, and more.

Q: What are the benefits of receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

A: Apart from the honor and recognition, recipients of the award are given a medal, a cash prize, and a citation. They also get the opportunity to interact with eminent personalities and showcase their talent on a national platform.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar plays a significant role in celebrating and nurturing the talent of India’s young achievers. By recognizing their exceptional abilities and achievements, the award inspires a generation of children to dream big, work hard, and make a positive impact on society. It serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for the youth, showcasing the limitless potential that lies within each child. As we celebrate the accomplishments of these young stars, we pave the way for a brighter and more promising future for India.