New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 was awarded Friday, recognising 20 children for exceptional achievements in bravery, sports, innovation, arts and culture and social service. The awards were handed out by President Draupadi Murmu in New Delhi; two of the children were awarded posthumously, their parents accepted on their behalf.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
This 14-year-old cricketer from Bihar has stunned the world with his impressive performances in domestic and International U-19 cricket. He holds the domestic record for being the youngest to score a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His aggressive batting style and consistency have marked him as a significant prospect for Indian cricket. The award recognised his excellence in sports.
Shvan Singh
A 10-year-old from Ferozepur, Punjab, Shvan served Indian Army soldiers during Operation Sindoor near the Pakistan border. He travelled every day to forward posts to deliver essential supplies like water, milk and tea to troops in the forward zones. His support and morale-boosting presence earned him the title of ‘Youngest Civil Warrior’ from the Army. He has been awarded for his bravery.
Byoma (Vyoma Priya)
A 9-year-old from Tamil Nadu, Byoma has been honoured posthumously for an act of supreme sacrifice. She lost her life in rescuing a 6-year-old boy who had come in contact with an electrified slide in a park. Despite the danger of electrocution, she intervened to save the younger child. Her parents have received the award on her behalf.
Kamlesh Kumar
Hailing from Kaimur, Bihar, Kamlesh, 11, is a posthumous recipient of the bravery award. He sacrificed his life to save a child from drowning in the Durgawati river. Witnessing the child’s struggle, he dove in without hesitation, prioritising the other’s life over his own. The award honoured his act of valour.
Vaka Laxmi Pragnika
A 7-year-old chess prodigy from Surat, Gujarat, she created history by winning the Under-7 World School Chess Championship. She achieved a score of 9/9 in the tournament. Already a multiple-time state champion, her tactical acumen has put her on the global map. She was awarded for her dominance and achievement in the field of sports.
Vishwanath Karthikeya Padakanti
A young mountaineer from Telangana, Vishwanath, 16, has successfully completed the ‘Seven Summits’ challenge. This involves scaling the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. He is one of the few Indians to achieve this milestone. The award recognised his adventurous spirit.
Yogita Mandavi
A judoka from Chhattisgarh, Yogita, 14, has demonstrated exceptional skill and discipline in martial arts. She has consistently performed at high levels in state and national competitions, establishing herself as a rising star in Judo. Her dedication to the sport has brought recognition to her state and inspired young athletes in her region. She has been honoured for her promise in the field of sports.
Anushka
An Under-17 women’s footballer from Jharkhand, Anushka, 14, has been a standout performer in the national circuit. Her technical skills and on-field leadership have earned her a place among the country’s elite young players. The award acknowledged her sporting excellence.
Aishi Prisha Borah
An innovator from Assam, Aishi, 14, developed a machine that creates pencils from waste paper. Her project also incorporates a system for greywater recycling, addressing two environmental issues simultaneously. This invention promotes sustainability and waste reduction through simple, scalable technology. She was awarded for her creativity and contribution to environmental conservation.
Vansh
A student from Chandigarh, Vansh, 17, has been recognised for his social service and engagement in student welfare. He gained prominence for his participation in the Prime Minister’s ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, highlighting student mental health. His efforts focus on reducing academic stress and promoting a positive educational environment. The award honoured his social consciousness.
Jyoshna Sabar
A weightlifter from Gajapati, Odisha, Joshna, 16, set a new record in the Asian Youth Weightlifting Championship in the 40 kg category. Her lift secured a medal while simultaneously establishing a new benchmark for junior athletes in Asia. She was recognised for her record-breaking achievement and excellence in sports.
Pooja
An innovator from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, Pooja, 17, designed a dust-free thresher machine to aid local farmers. Her invention addresses the health hazards caused by dust during the threshing process. By modifying existing machinery, she has created a healthier and more efficient working solution. She was awarded for her innovation.
Suman Sarkar
A young tabla artist from Nadia, West Bengal, Suman, 16, has displayed prodigious talent in Indian classical music. He has performed on various platforms, helping preserve and propagate traditional musical heritage. The award recognised his dedication to arts and culture.
Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamate
A viral singing sensation from Mizoram, 9-year-old Esther captured the nation’s heart with her soulful rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’. She has become a cultural ambassador for her state through her YouTube channel and public performances. She was awarded for her excellence in arts, culture, and music.
Shivani Hosuru Uppara
A para-athlete from Andhra Pradesh, Shivani, 17, has overcome physical limitations to excel in competitive sports. Her performances in national para-athletic events have demonstrated her grit. The award honoured her spirit and achievements in sports.
Muhammed Sidan
Sidan, 11, saved his friends from electrocution in Kerala. When his friends came into contact with a live wire, he acted swiftly and with great presence of mind to detach them from the source. His quick thinking averted a major tragedy. He was awarded for his bravery.
Ajay Raj
A brave son from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Ajay, 9, saved his father in a crocodile attack. When a crocodile snapped at his father, Ajay intervened, using immense courage to fend off the crocodile. His act of valour in a life-or-death situation prevented a certain fatality. The award recognised his bravery.
Arnav Maharshi
A tech prodigy from Maharashtra, Arnav developed an advanced AI software application. His innovation uses artificial intelligence to solve practical problems, involving advanced coding and problem-solving skills. He was awarded for his excellence in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
Jyoti
A para-athlete from Sirsa, Haryana, Joyti has won several medals across field events at both national and international levels. In the 2023 National Games, she won the gold in the U-17 shotput competition and a silver medal in the U-17 javelin competition. She was awarded for her excellence in sports.
Dhindhi Desinghu
The second youngest Indian to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Dhindhi, 15, has broken three national records. She has represented the country across Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar and China. She was awarded for representing the nation at the highest level in sport.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Rise of Sooryavanshi: Facing 600 balls-a-day from age of 10 to playing 150km throwdowns