Gritty tales of child achievers come to the fore

Guv presents awards to talented kids

The venue, Jawahar Bal Bhavan that was milling with hundreds of students from all over Karnataka radiated colour, energy, and exuberance. The awards were given away by Governor H R Bhardwaj.

Chess enthusiast, Gangamma B N (14), who was recognised for her talent in the sport was one among the 28 children to be nominated by the State government for the National award for exceptional talent in the field of academics, arts, sports and culture for 2011-12. They were awarded Rs 10,000 each by the government.

Gangamma, a student of Vidyavardhaka School in Bangalore, said though she had not won the National award, the State award had given her confidence and encouragement to take her passion forward.

“I am aiming to make it to the top six in the upcoming under-15 nationals. Such recognitions help us set higher benchmarks,” she said.

Nikshep B R, who was the only child to have been selected for the National award from Karnataka, was presented the award for his ‘excellence in lawn tennis’. Nikshep trains for three-and-half hours everyday and wants to go professional.

“I was inspired to pursue tennis at the age of seven, when I watched the 2004 French open. To be recognised by both the State and the Centre means a lot to me. I feel very proud. This is the stepping stone for me to go international,” he told Deccan Herald from Delhi.

He has been awarded Rs 10,000 each by both the State and the Centre.

Students honoured
The State government also honoured 38 SSLC and PUC students staying in government children’s homes, for securing more than 60 per cent marks in their exams.

Preethi, a student of Namma Bhoomi in Kundapur, said she would not have been receiving the award if not for the Child Welfare Committee had not nurtured her.

“My father, who went abroad three years ago, did not bother to return. This put financial burden on my mother who had to raise me and my two younger brothers, who are in Chennai. My mother was advised to send me to the institution. Ever since I got here, my self-confidence has grown steadily. I now want to pursue science,” she said.  Preethi has secured 85 per cent in SSLC.

Jyothi, who resides at the Children’s Home for Girls in Davangere, was awarded for securing 64 per cent in SSLC. “My parents are too poor to fund my education. The institution has fulfilled my dreams. I aspire to become a nurse.”

As many as seven children were awarded the Hoysala and Keladi Chennamma bravery awards on the occasion. Two institutions were awarded for their commendable service in child welfare.

The Governor also released stamps with drawings by children who participated in the ‘Save the Tiger’ contest organised by India Post last year. Mangalore girl Sriraksha, whose drawing stood out, was awarded by both the Karnataka Circle and in New Delhi.