Srinagar: In a moment of triumph for Kashmir, thirteen-year-old Rabab prodigy Ishfaq Hamid, hailing from Kreeri Baramullah, has been bestowed with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar Award.
The award was presented by President Daroupadi Murmu, at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday, adding another feather to Ishfaq’s cap and bringing pride to the region.
Ishfaq, a sixth-standard student, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognizing his talent. His journey into the world of Rabab began when he observed his cousin mastering the art, inspiring him to embark on his musical journey.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, took to social media to congratulate Ishfaq, acknowledging his significant achievement. Sinha tweeted, “Congratulations to young maestro Ishfaq Hamid on winning Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar! Your achievements in the field of art & culture have brought immense pride to J&K. May your success continue to inspire others to pursue their artistic passion.”
Ishfaq’s success not only showcases his prowess but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring artists in the region. As J&K revels in this moment of cultural pride, Ishfaq Hamid stands as a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the Bhat Family and the vibrant cultural landscape of the region.
Ishfaq is among 19 children awarded with PM Bal Puraskar
Ishfaq Hamid, 12, from Jammu and Kashmir has become a maestro of Rabab and Matka, He has received accolades during various festivals. He is also a recipient of the Bhai Mardana National Award in 2020.
Among the winners is Aaditya Vijay Brahmane, 12, from Maharashtra, who was awarded posthumously for his extraordinary act of courage. He sacrificed his life to rescue his cousins Harsh and Shlok from drowning in a river while playing.
Aryan Singh, 17, from Rajasthan is another remarkable recipient of the award. Singh ingeniously developed an Agrobot, an artificial intelligence-powered robot aimed at simplifying the lives of farmers by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT).
In Chhattisgarh, Armaan Ubhrani, also known as the ‘Google boy’, has earned the award for his outstanding prowess in mathematics and science.
At the tender age of six, Ubhrani has achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the youngest author of a book series and solving 100 multiplication sums, garnering recognition both nationally and internationally.
In the domain of art and culture, eight-year-old Anushka Pathak from Uttar Pradesh has established herself in ‘Katha Vachan’ (religious text narration). Following in her esteemed father’s footsteps, Pathak has captivated audiences across 22 states with her performances, becoming a recognized figure in the spiritual realm.
Arijeet Banerjee, 13, from West Bengal, a prodigy in playing the traditional Pakhawaj, has made an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
Having performed at prestigious events like the International Dhrupad Festival, Banerjee has received accolades such as the Bharat Ratna M S Subbulakshmi Fellowship and the Asia Book of Records.
Despite facing severe cerebral palsy, 13-year-old Hetvi Kantibhai Khimsuriya from Gujarat has displayed extraordinary artistic abilities, creating 250 works of free-hand painting, receiving numerous awards, and selflessly donating her monthly disability pension to support differently-abled children.
Md Hussain, 16, from Bihar, has excelled in handcrafted arts, winning accolades in state and national-level competitions, and even presenting his indigenous toys to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ program.
Pendyala Laxmi Priya, 14, from Telangana is a Kuchipudi dancer, winning the Kala Utsav National Award 2023 in the classical dance category and holding titles like ‘Laasyapriya’.
In the realm of innovation, 16-year-old Suhani Chauhan from Delhi has developed ‘SO-APT’, a solar-powered agriculture vehicle, offering an impressive solution for sustainable farming.
Despite obstacles associated with Down syndrome, nine-year-old Avnish Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh trekked Mount Everest base camp at the age of seven and received the Shresth Divyang Bal Puraskar in 2022 for his exceptional social service.
Nine-year-old Garima from Haryana, a visually impaired girl, is dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children through her initiative called ‘Sakshar Pathshala’.
Jyotsna Aktar, 16, from Tripura challenges societal norms and actively fights against child marriage, advocating for education and empowering other girls in her community.
In the field of wildlife conservation, 15-year-old Saiyam Mazumder from Assam has become India’s youngest snake rescuer and also cares for stray animals.
Aaditya Yadav, 12, from Uttar Pradesh is being awarded for his sports achievements. As a specially-abled badminton player, Yadav has triumphed in numerous tournaments, including international championships, demonstrating resilience and excellence.
Charvi A, 9, from Karnataka, the Under-8 World Chess Champion, stands out among other awardees in the sports and games segment, securing multiple titles at both national and international levels.
Nine-year-old Jesicca Neyi Saring from Arunachal Pradesh is a highly skilled badminton champion, consistently achieving excellence in various categories.
Linthoi Chanambam, 17, from Manipur is the first Indian to clinch a judo championship in any age group, securing gold at the 2022 World Judo Cadets championship in Sarajevo.
R Surya Prasad, 9, from Andhra Pradesh, who commenced mountaineering training at the age of five, accomplished the feat of scaling Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of nine
