New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar recipients that he was proud in the way they were fulfiling their duties towards society and the nation and this drove him to work harder.
Praising the brave children, who were honoured with the National Bravery Awards in the national capital ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, he said their heroic exploits inspired him and he would share their stories on social media.
Their bravery would make even grown ups break into a sweat at just the thought of it, he added.
"I am proud to see the way in which you are fulfilling your duties towards society and the nation. It gives me that extra energy and the push to work harder when I hear the stories of bravery and achievements of our young comrades."
Mr Modi expressed amazement that at such a tender age the youngsters had performed incredible tasks.
"This must have inspired you to do more good deeds in future. You have shown courage to fight difficult situations," he said and spurred them on, saying this was just the beginning "to do much more for the country and prepare yourself for a better future".
Urging the awardees to work harder while being rooted to ground realities, the PM said "This recognition should be a beginning to achieve more and you should realise this is not an end in itself. And such awards will inspire your peers and other children to become achievers."
Talking to the 49 Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winners, he said, "While getting acquainted with you all a while back, I was really surprised. The way you all have advanced in different fields, the work that you have done at such a young age, is amazing."
The PM also recounted an interesting story from his life. Talking about sweating, he said once somebody asked him how is your face so sharp? The PM told him that he works very hard and sweats physically. "I rub the sweat on my face. This makes my face look so sharp," he told the delighted children.
Of the 49 children honoured today, seven each were given the award in the scholastic and art and culture categories, four each for bravery and social service, 13 in the sports category and 14 for innovation.
The children belonging to various states and from different age groups were conferred the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind on January 22. The medal winners will take part in the Republic Day parade.
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