SRINAGAR: Risheek Kumar, a 17-year-old boy from Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir was among the 17 children honoured with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday. Kumar has launched Kashmir’s first cybersecurity firm.
President Murmu lauded Kumar’s achievements saying, “Contributions to science, technology, and innovation by children like these show their unparalleled potential to transform lives.”
The award, recognising exceptional accomplishments in seven categories, including art, culture, sports, and science, was presented during a ceremony in New Delhi. Each honoree received a medal, certificate, and citation booklet.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah congratulated Risheek Kumar for the award. They expressed their wishes through a post of X which read, “JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah and VP & CM Omar Abdullah convey their heartfelt congratulations to our young and exceptional Risheek Kumar from Samba on being awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Purukar. He has made J&K truly proud.”
JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah and VP & CM @OmarAbdullah convey their heartfelt congratulations to our young and exceptional Risheek Kumar from Samba on being awarded the #PradhanMantriRashtriyaBalPurukar.
He has made J&K truly proud. pic.twitter.com/xnpaGwh5fa— JKNC (@JKNC_) December 26, 2024
President Murmu emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent, noting, “Providing opportunities and recognizing children’s talents has always been a part of our tradition. This tradition should be further strengthened to ensure that every child realizes their full potential.”
Other awardees included Saurav Kumar, recognized for his bravery in saving three girls from drowning, and Sindhoora Raja, awarded for her innovations to assist Parkinson’s patients. Their collective contributions underscore the diverse achievements of India’s youth.
Reflecting on the future, the President remarked, “In 2047, as we celebrate the centenary of our independence, these talented individuals will become the builders of a developed India.” (By PTI inputs)
