JAMMU, Dec 26: In a proud moment for jammu and Kashmir, two young achievers, Risheek Kumar Sharma from Samba and Ayaan Sajad from Anantnag, were among the 17 exceptional children awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) for their outstanding contributions across various fields, including art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and the environment.
The prestigious award ceremony was held at the Rashtriya Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. Each recipient was honored with a medal, certificate and citation booklet, celebrating their remarkable achievements.
Seventeen-year-old Risheek Kumar Sharma from Smailpur, Samba district, was recognized in the field of Science and Technology for his groundbreaking work in cyber security. Risheek has distinguished himself as a young innovator and a leader in scientific exploration by founding J&K’s first cyber security company, ‘Hackers Pathshala.’ Through this platform, he has trained over 5,000 children and 100 police personnel at the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy, equipping them with critical skills in cyber security.
One of Risheek’s notable innovations, the ‘Prarthana’ app, has gained significant recognition, even earning praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The app underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit. Risheek hails from the native village of nationalist leader Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, adding further pride to his achievements. His pioneering projects have not only secured him the nation’s highest civilian honor for children but have also set an inspiring benchmark for youth across the country.
Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Anantnag district in South Kashmir, was honored for his exceptional contributions to Kashmiri music and culture. His soulful renditions, including the widely popular song ‘Be Dard Dadi Chane,’ have resonated deeply with audiences and gained immense popularity on social media platforms. Through his music, Ayaan has inspired countless young people to reconnect with their cultural roots.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the award in New Delhi alongside his proud parents, Ayaan expressed that the recognition felt like “a very big responsibility.” He added, “My family is really happy and proud.” Ayaan’s journey into music began at a very young age with small performances and stage shows. However, it was his debut professional song ‘Be Dard’ that catapulted him to fame, earning him widespread recognition.
Ayaan credits the independent artists in Kashmir as his inspiration. “When I actually started singing professionally, there were a few inspirations, like the artists in Kashmir who were working independently. When I met them, they inspired me, their music inspired me,” he said. Describing singing as his lifelong passion, Ayaan shared that while he has not yet decided on a future profession, music will always remain an integral part of his life. In addition to music, Ayaan has a keen interest in sports, particularly martial arts and basketball, showcasing his diverse talents.
The Prime Minister also interacted with young awardees. Congratulating the awardees, Modi said, “These children have demonstrated what India’s youth are capable of achieving. I extend my best wishes to all the winners on behalf of the nation.” Modi urged young Indians to embrace the values of courage, innovation, and service to propel the nation towards greater unity and progress.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MoS in PMO Dr Jitendra congratulated the young achievers for the award.
Dr Jitendra wrote on X, “Heartening to see a #Jammu youth showing the way by not succumbing to ‘Sarkari Naukri’ mindset and instead opting for StartUp entrepreneurship through cutting-edge technology. Congrats Risheek for the well deserved #Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar #VeerBaalDiwas”.
“Congratulations to Master Ayaan Sajad on receiving Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu. He is a singer par excellence. I wish Ayaan all the best for future endeavours. May you inspire many more youngsters across J&K UT,” Sinha said in a post on X.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah also extended their heartfelt congratulations to Sajad and Risheek in two separate posts on X by the Party. The Party said the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting and encouraging the youth of JK in their pursuit of excellence in various fields.
Recognizing Ayaan’s remarkable contributions to the field of art and culture, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah lauded his achievement as a source of immense pride for jammu and Kashmir. They expressed their hope that his dedication and talent will continue to inspire young minds across the region and beyond. On achievement of Risheek, the CM and Dr Farooq said he has made J&K truly proud.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is the highest civilian honor for children in India, celebrating extraordinary accomplishments in fields such as social service, innovation, sports, bravery, art and scholastic achievement.
