Meghalaya Adolescent Honored with Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
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Shillong, Dec 27 (NationPress) Kisen Wanniang, a 15-year-old from Meghalaya, has been awarded the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on Thursday, as confirmed by officials.
The President Droupadi Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to a total of 17 children across seven categories, recognizing their outstanding achievements during a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Thursday.
Kisen is among the 17 distinguished awardees.
He was honored for his remarkable courage.
The young boy from Mawlangwir in South West Khasi Hills demonstrated extraordinary bravery by rescuing four children, aged 9 to 12, from the Maweitksar River amid heavy rainfall on May 25 this year.
A government official from Meghalaya shared that Kisen, the son of a single mother who works as a domestic helper, was washing clothes by the river when he heard the desperate cries of the children.
"Without a moment’s thought and risking his own safety, he leapt into the river and heroically saved each child," the official noted.
Kisen Wanniang is being recognized with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his exceptional bravery, the official added.
During the ceremony, President Murmu extended her congratulations to all the awardees, stating that the nation and society take pride in their accomplishments.
She encouraged children, emphasizing that they have performed extraordinary deeds, achieved remarkable feats, possess boundless potential, and exhibit unmatched qualities.
These young achievers have set a commendable example for the nation’s youth, said the President.
She highlighted that nurturing opportunities and acknowledging children's talents is a cherished tradition in our culture.
The President called for the reinforcement of this tradition.
She remarked that by the year 2047, when the country celebrates the centenary of India’s Independence, these awardees will be enlightened citizens.
Such gifted young individuals will become the architects of a prosperous India, added the President.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the Veer Baal Diwas event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where he praised the 17 children awarded the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for their achievements in bravery, innovation, science and technology, sports, and arts, and also engaged with them.
