Two young achievers from the Northeast—Aishi Prisha Borah from Assam and Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte from Mizoram—were honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by the President for excellence in Science & Technology and Art & Culture.

What is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

• It is India’s highest civilian award for children, instituted by the Government of India.
• The award recognises exceptional achievements by children below 18 years of age.
• Each awardee receives a medal, a certificate, and a citation.
• It is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Fields of recognition: Children are awarded for excellence in:

• Science and Technology, Art and Culture, Bravery, Sports, Social Service, Innovation and Environment

• The awards are typically announced around Veer Bal Diwas (December 26) to celebrate the courage of young minds.
• Nominations are received through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. 
  • Final winners are selected by a National Selection Committee headed by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development.

Highlights from the Northeast

• Aishi Prisha Borah (Assam)
  • Recognised for innovations in sustainable farming practices and recycling newspaper waste into useful products.
  • A recipient of earlier innovation awards under the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research programme.
• Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte (Mizoram)
  • Honoured for her contribution to Art & Culture through patriotic song performances.

Significance of the award 

• Encourages creativity, innovation, and social responsibility among children.
• Highlights the role of talent from smaller towns and rural backgrounds.
• Reinforces India’s commitment to child empowerment and inclusive development.
• Aligns with the spirit of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and child-centric governance.

Key facts for prelims

• Awarded annually by the President of India.
• Started in 1996,  in 2018, the government rebranded the previous “National Child Award” to its current form.
• 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories were awarded in 2025.

Exam Hook

UPSC Prelims – Statement-based Question

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, consider the following statements:

1. It is the highest civilian award given to children in India.
2. It is awarded for achievements only in academics and sports.
3. It is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 3 only

One-line wrap:
Bal Puraskar celebrates not just talent, but the promise of India’s future.

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