Why It’s in the Headlines:
The Ministry of Women & Child Development, part of the Government of India, annually hosts the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, a prestigious event that applauds the boundless energy, determination, talent, enthusiasm, and zeal of our nation’s children.
What Exactly Is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?
Two Distinct Categories: The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is bestowed in two distinct categories:
1. Bal Shakti Puraskar:
Recognition:
- This award, presented by the Government of India each year, spotlights outstanding accomplishments by children across a diverse range of fields, including innovation, academic excellence, social service, arts & culture, sports, and acts of bravery.
Eligibility:
- To qualify, a child must be an Indian citizen residing in India and fall within the age bracket of 5 to 18 years.
Awards:
- Recipients of the Bal Shakti Puraskar are honored with a medal, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, book vouchers worth Rs. 10,000, a certificate, and a citation.
Historical Context:
- Originally established in 1996 as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, it was renamed the Bal Shakti Puraskar in 2018.
2. Bal Kalyan Puraskar:
Recognition:
- This award is a salute to individuals and institutions that have made exceptional contributions in the realm of child development, child protection, and child welfare.
Eligibility:
- Individuals must be Indian citizens residing in India, aged 18 years or above (as of August 31st of the respective year). They should have devoted a minimum of 7 years to the cause of children. Institutions, on the other hand, should not be entirely government-funded and should have a decade of consistent service in the field of child welfare.
Awards:
- Three awards are presented in each of the two categories – Individual and Institution – along with cash prizes (Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 5,00,000 respectively).
Historical Context:
- This award was first instituted in 1979 under the name National Child Welfare Awards, later rechristened the Bal Kalyan Puraskar in 2018.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is a significant platform for recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of India’s youth and those dedicated to the well-being and development of our children. It highlights their outstanding contributions and encourages them to continue making a positive impact on society.