Watch video: All must work keeping in mind country's wellbeing, says PM Modi after conferring certificates to Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conferred digital certificates to Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) awardees for the years 2022 and 2021 using blockchain technology, via video conferencing.

PM Modi urged recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to support the 'Vocal for Local' campaign and said the youth is at the centre of all policies being framed by government.

During an online interaction with the awardees, PM Modi also talked about the unveiling of the hologram statue of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose and said the "biggest inspiration we get from Netaji is of duty and of nation first, and you have to proceed on your path of duty for the country".

The prime minister awarded the Bal Puraskar recipients certificates digitally using block chain technology.

Calling for support for the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, PM Modi asked the awardees to list products at their home which are of foreign origin.

Noting that the youth of the country are at the centre of all policies being framed by the government presently, he said, "Today we feel proud, when we see that the youth of India are innovating and taking the country forward."

"Today we feel proud when we see that the CEOs of all the big companies of the world are young Indians and when we see the youth of India raising their laurels in the world of startups," PM Modi said.

Lauding children over their participation in the Covid vaccination programme, the prime minister said children have shown their modern and scientific thinking in the vaccination programme as well.

"More than 40 million children got coronavirus vaccine till now since January 3," he said.

PM Modi also called these children an inspiration for the whole society.

"You all must work keeping in mind how your work can help the country," the prime minister said while interacting with the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar recipients.

Twenty-nine children, including 14 girls, were awarded in six fields -- innovation, scholastic achievements, sports, arts and culture, social service and bravery. Each child has been given a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 and a certificate.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is given as recognition to children residing in India, above the age of 5 years and not exceeding 18 years (as on August 31 of respective year) with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in 6 fields of innovation, scholastic achievements, sports, arts and culture, social service and bravery, which deserve recognition.

"This year, 29 children from across the country, under different categories of Bal Shakti Puraskar, have been selected for PMRBP-2022. The awardees also take part in the Republic day parade every year. Each awardee of PMRBP is given a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh and a certificate. The cash prize will be transferred to the respective accounts of PMRBP 2022 winners," said the press release by the PMO.

These awards are conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Prime Minister also interacts with these awardees every year.

The children along with their parents and concerned District Magistrate of their respective district would join the event from their district Head Quarters.

(With inputs from PTI)

Published on: Monday, January 24, 2022, 01:01 PM IST