Six Karnataka children get Bal Shakti Purushkar

Six children from Karnataka received Bal Shakti Puruskar from President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday. Under the institution's category, Rangakahale got Bal Kalyan Puruskar from the President for its contributions in child welfare and development.

Mohamed Suhail Chinaya Salimpasha, 17, from the Mangalore got the national award for “pioneering” a breakthrough technology for diagnosing pre-symptomatic protein-energy malnutrition non-evasilvely by using paper.

Bangalore's Kumari Arunima also got the prestigious award for innovation. She has developed a model for energy efficient skyscraper, a solution to increase barley yield and a device that determines micronutrient levels in the body using strands of hair.

The national award was conferred on AU Nachiketh Kumar, 16, for his innovation and continuous efforts towards environment conservation. He has prepared standard rubber sheet from a fruit named Bilimbi as a sustainable and environment-friendly substitute for rubber latex created from formic acid by farmers.

Kumari Pratyaksha BR, Vinayaka M both from Bangalore and Nikhil Jituri from Belagavi were other three youngsters who received the coveted award from the President.

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar was given under two main categories -- Bal Shakti Puraskar and Bal Kalyan Puraskar.

A total of 26 children were conferred the Bal Shakti Purushkar at an event.

The award carries a medal, a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, book vouchers worth Rs 10,000, a certificate and a citation. The awardees will participate in the Republic Day function on January 26.

The Bal Shakti Puraskar was given to boys and girls for their outstanding works in the fields of innovation, scholastic, sports, arts and culture, social service and bravery.

“I am really excited with the award. Looking forward to doing many great things in future and serve my country,” an elated Salimpasha told DH when asked for his reaction.

Rangakahale's award carries prize money of Rs 5 lakh, a medal and a citation.