'Take Inspiration From Netaji, Proceed On Path Of Duty': PM Modi To Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awardees

Each awardee was given a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, and a certificate. Block Chain Technology is being used for the first time for giving certificates to awardees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar event (Image: Twitter/ @BJP4India)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees on the occasion of National Girl Child Day on Monday and as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani and Minister of State Munjpara Mahendrabhai were also present on the occasion.

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is given as recognition to children aged between five and 18 years with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in six fields -- innovation, scholastic achievements, sports, arts and culture, social service, and bravery.

Each awardee was given a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, and a certificate. During the function, the prime minister gave digital certificates to winners of PMRBP-2022 using blockchain technology. The certificates were also given to winners of PMRBP-2021, who could not be given the certificates last year due to the COVID-19 situation.

Block Chain Technology is being used for the first time for giving certificates to awardees of PMRBP.

PM Modi heard various stories of the children's achievements and discussed their goals and ideas they are willing to take forward.

After speaking to the awardees, PM Modi addressed the event. Some key highlights of PM Modi's message to the awardees:

• PM Modi started his address by congratulating the young kids who are the future of tomorrow. PM Modi said that this award is special for one more reason which is the time during which they have been awarded. PM said that the children have been conferred the award when the country is celebrating 75 years of Independence and taking multiple initiatives under 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
• Sharing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's teachings to the children, PM Modi said, "A digital statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has also been installed near India Gate in Delhi yesterday. We get the biggest inspiration from Netaji that duty and nation are first. Taking inspiration from Netaji, you have to proceed on your path of duty for the country."
• PM Modi said that the country is proud to see the youth of India are making innovations, taking the country forward. He further said, " We are proud when we see that the CEOs of all the big companies of the world are young Indians. Today we feel proud when we see the youth of India are setting a benchmark in the world of start-ups.
• Taking pride in the daughters of India on National Girl Child Day, PM Modi said, "Daughters are doing wonders in areas where they weren't allowed earlier. This is the new India, which does not hold back from innovating, and courage is the identity of India today."
• Hailing their children for their efforts in Covid vaccination drive, PM Modi said, "The children of India have shown their modern and scientific thinking in the vaccination program as well. In just 20 days since January 3, more than 40 million children have been vaccinated."
• PM Modi gave the credit of successfully running the Swacch Bharat campaign to children. He said that children of every household became 'Bal Sainiks' and spread the message to everyone.
• Lastly, PM Modi urged the children to come forward for the Vocal for Local campaign. Suggesting an idea on how children can contribute, PM Modi said, "You can make a list of products at home which are not made in India and can be replaced with a local product."