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- She was awarded for inventing a chaff-dust separation machine that reduces agricultural dust and air pollution.
- Pooja’s invention addresses the serious issue of dust generated during wheat threshing, which contributes to air pollution and causes respiratory problems among farmers and rural communities.
- The machine helps control airborne dust during threshing operations, making agricultural work safer, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable.
- She also represented India at the Sakura Science High School Programme in Japan, presenting her invention on an international stage.
- Other Recipient from UP: Ajay Raj from Agra also received the award in Bravery category.
- Ajay saved his father from the clutches of a crocodile by hitting it with a stick.
- Total Number of awardees: 20 children from 18 states and union territories were honoured for their excellent and courageous work in different fields.
- Out of the 20 children, two were honoured posthumously, with the awards for Vyoma from Tamil Nadu and Kamlesh Kumar from Bihar being received by their parents.
List of Awardees:
About Prime Minister Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
- It is a prestigious national-level award conferred annually by the President of India to recognise exceptional achievements of children (below 18 years) across multiple fields.
- A maximum of 25 awards are conferred annually.
- The Government of India observes Veer Baal Diwas every year on 26 December in remembrance of the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 26 December 1704 at Sirhind (present-day Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab).
- They were executed by being bricked alive for refusing to renounce their faith.
- The objective is to honour the bravery of these two young heroes and to inspire today’s youth with the values of courage, sacrifice, and moral strength.
- The award honours young achievers in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture, and Science & Technology.