GUWAHATI: In a moment of pride for the Northeast, four exceptional children, including two talented athletes, will be conferred with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2024 on Monday.
The awards ceremony, where President Droupadi Murmu will confer the awards, is scheduled to take place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Each awardee will receive a medal, certificate, and a citation booklet.
Arunachal Pradesh’s emerging badminton sensation, Jessica Neyi Saring, and Manipur’s skilled judoka, Linthoi Chanambam, secure well-deserved recognition in the sports category.
In social service, Jyotsna Aktar from Tripura and Saiyam Mazumdar from Assam earn nominations for the coveted award, spotlighting their outstanding contributions to society.
Jessica, hailing from Roing in Lower Dibang Valley, clinched gold at the recent All India Sub Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament (U-13) in Bihar. Over the past three years, she has consistently dominated the Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship.
Linthoi, a 16-year-old judoka from Mayang Imphal, Manipur, secured her spot after becoming the first Indian to win gold at the 2022 World Cadet Judo Championship in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Despite initially engaging in various sports recreationally, Linthoi’s dedication to judo has brought her international acclaim.
In the social service category, Jyotsna from Tripura and Saiyam from Assam have earned nominations for their commendable contributions.
Jyotsna, aged 16, will be honoured for her courageous stand against early marriages in her village, serving as an inspiring advocate for education and empowerment.
Saiyam, a 16-year-old wildlife enthusiast from Guwahati, Assam, stands out for his passion for environmental conservation and wildlife rescue.
Apart from being an accomplished snake rescuer, his dedication extends to saving canines, showcasing a holistic commitment to the welfare of various species.
In addition to these four outstanding individuals, 15 other children from 18 states and Union Territories across have been recognised for their exceptional achievements.
The PMRBP, bestowed upon children aged 5–18 years, recognises outstanding achievements in seven categories – bravery, art & culture, environment, innovation, science & technology, social service, and sports.
