J&K rabab player, Haryana tutor among 19 Bal Puraskar awardees

New Delhi, January 24

Children from Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are among this year’s Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees at his residence. As many as 19 children were awarded for their achievements in fields such as innovation, sports, art, culture and social service by President Droupadi Murmu on January 22.

Inspired by his cousin, Ishfaq Hamid, a 12-year-old boy from Jammu and Kashmir, learnt the art of playing ‘rabab’ and ‘matka’. A class VI student, he was recognised for his outstanding contribution in elevating ‘rabab’ playing and promoting the rare traditional art globally. In the past, he received accolades during the 13th Kashmir festival.

Ishfaq Hamid’s journey into the world of ‘rabab’ began when he observed his cousin mastering the art, inspiring him to embark on his musical journey.

Also among the awardees is nine-year-old Garima, a visually impaired girl who is providing education to underprivileged children through her initiative called ‘Sakshar Pathshala’. A resident of Navdi village from Mahendragarh in Haryana, she received the award in the social service category.