Every year, India discovers a powerful truth all over again. That courage, talent and kindness are not linked to age. They can shine just as brightly in children. On Veer Bal Diwas, 26 December, the nation honoured this spirit by announcing the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winners. From children who saved lives at great personal risk to young achievers breaking records in various fields, this year’s awardees show what responsibility, bravery, and imagination look like in real life. Their stories matter not just as achievements, but as lessons for families across the country. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 20 children for their exceptional achievements in the fields of Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture and Science & Technology at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025: Full Winners List and Stories
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Child Bravery
Children who showed extraordinary courage, often risking their own lives to save others.
• Byoma (8), Tamil Nadu: Saved a six-year-old from electrocution. Awarded posthumously.
• Kamlesh Kumar, Bihar: Lost his life while rescuing a child drowning in the Durgavati river. Posthumous honour.
• Mohammad Siddan (11), Kerala: Saved two friends from drowning.
• Ajay Raj (9), Uttar Pradesh: Fought off a crocodile to protect his father.
• Shravan Singh (10), Punjab: Helped Indian Army personnel during Operation Sindoor by serving food and water.
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Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Sports
Young champions making India proud on the field.
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14), Bihar: Cricket prodigy with record-breaking performances at junior level.
• Shivani Hosuru Uppara (17), Andhra Pradesh: Para-athlete excelling in track and field events.
• Anushka (14), Jharkhand: Outstanding achievement in football.
• Yogita Mandavi (14), Chhattisgarh: National-level judo player.
• Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika (7), Gujarat: FIDE World School Chess Champion. Won all nine matches.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Art and Culture
• Suman Sarkar (16), West Bengal: Tabla player with national and international achievements.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Innovation and Science
• Pooja Pal (17), Uttar Pradesh: Invented a wheat thresher that reduces dust and health risks for farmers.
• Arnav Maharshi (17), Maharashtra: Developed and patented an AI-based software application.
• Aishi Prisha Borah, Assam: Created machines for manual pencil-making and water recycling.
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Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Social Service
• Vansh (17), Chandigarh: Recognised for impactful work in social service initiatives.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Digital Creativity
• Ester Laldunhavami (9), Mizoram: Young digital creator inspiring millions through positive online content.
Also, read about – How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
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