New Delhi, Dec 26 : President Droupadi Murmu on Friday conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, honouring children for exceptional bravery, service and achievements.
Among the awardees was eight year old Vyoma Priya, who was posthumously honoured for her act of courage. The award was received by her mother, Archana Sivaramakrishnan, who recounted the incident in which her daughter lost her life while attempting to save a younger child.
Speaking to ANI, Archana said Vyoma was playing in the children’s park of their apartment complex when a slide, installed above a damaged underground cable, became electrified.
“A six year old boy fell while playing on the slide. Our Vyoma tried to rescue him but was caught in the electric current herself,” she said. “It is a bittersweet moment for us to receive this bravery award. We wish she could have been here to receive it herself.”
Another Bal Puraskar awardee shared his experience of selfless service during Operation Sindoor, when security forces were deployed near his village.
“When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I felt I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk and ice for them every day. I feel proud to receive this award; I never dreamt of it,” the awardee said.
Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26 to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the young sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
The observance was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2022, on the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the national programme marking Veer Bal Diwas at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and address the gathering, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.