Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with the winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar’. PM Modi also interacted with over 1,730 tribal artistes, NCC cadets, NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers and tableaux artistes, who are going to participate in the Republic Day parade, in a “At Home” event.
During the event, PM Modi lauded the work done by children who won national awards in various categories, saying he gets inspiration and energy from them. Interacting with children who won the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar at his residence, the prime minister said he is proud to see the awareness of their duty towards society and the nation. “When I was getting introduced to you a while back, I was really surprised. The way you all have tried in different fields, the work that has been done at such a young age... is amazing,” he said. “Whenever I hear about such courageous work of all you young comrades, talk to you, I also get inspiration and energy,” PM Modi added.
Also Read: 'Get Inspiration, Energy From You': PM Modi To Children Who Won National Awards
"Someone asked me many years ago, how come you have such a radiant face? I had a simple answer. I said I work hard and I sweat so much that I massage my face with it and it gives me a glow," PM Modi said. Advising the students to learn how to sweat very hard (at least four times a day), PM Modi said children should work hard and never stop doing so, no matter how many awards came one's way.
"There are two paths to take. In one, when people win awards and honours, they become arrogant and stop performing. In the other, some people accept awards as encouragement to do even better," said the Prime Minister.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi, KP Sharma Oli Jointly Inaugurate Check Post At Jogbani-Biratnagar
The Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar awards are given to children in the age group of five to 18 years for their contribution in various sectors—innovation, social service, scholastic, sports, art and culture, and bravery. It carries a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a certificate and a citation.
The 49 awardees include 12-year-old Darsh Malani, who has performed over 50 magic shows worldwide, and 11-year-old Manoj Kumar Lohar, awarded for his mastery in “tabla vadan”. The 49 awardees are from various states and union territories, including one each from Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
The children are winners in the fields of arts & culture, innovation, scholastic, social service, sports and bravery.