Berhampur: This Children’s Day will be special for 14-year-old Shubhendu Kumar Sahu as he will walk down the ramparts of Rashtrapati Bhawan before being presented with a prestigious award by President Pranab Mukherjee.
Sahu, a Class VIII student of Somapur Project Upper Primary School in Ganjam district’s Hinjili, has been selected for the National Child Award for ‘Exceptional Achievement’.
Sahu had taken part in several extra-curricular activities and received a number of awards at both state and national-level competitions.
While one of his science projects, ‘Gift for Farmers’, made it to the zonal-level science exhibition held in Kolkata, he had also ranked first at the state-level creative writing competition organised in Bhubaneswar last year. He also showcased his talent in many drawing competitions and debates.
Developed by Sahu, ‘Gift for Farmers’, is an innovative device which helps in sowing, tilling of soil, sprinkling of pesticides, cutting and processing of the paddy crops.
“I am feeling proud since receiving the news on Monday afternoon,” Shubhendu said. His father also shared his joy. “We are very much happy for such a rare achievement of our son,” said Subhendu’s father, Shantanu Kumar Sahu.
“We are proud for Subhendu to be selected for such an award from the President,” said district education officer (DEO) Sanatan Panda. Hinjili block education officer (BEO) RL Nayak went to the school to interact with Subhendu.
The National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement recognises children, in the age group of 4 to 15 years, with exceptional abilities and who have achieved outstanding status in various fields including academics, arts, culture and sports. One gold medal and 35 silver medals are given to the children every year for their outstanding achievement.
“The award carries cash prize of Rs. 10,000, book vouchers worth Rs. 3,000, a silver medal, a certificate and a citation,” a letter received by Sahu from the Ministry of Woman and Child Development said.
PTI