AI Generated Summary
- District officials described his achievement as a moment of honour not just for the border village but for Punjab and the nation at large, noting that Shavan’s actions reflected the courage, resilience and deep sense of patriotism that define communities living on the country’s frontiers.
- Ten-year-old Shavan Singh received the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar at a ceremony in New Delhi, turning the spotlight on a village more accustomed to the routines and tensions of life near the border.
- Speaking earlier, the young awardee had said that his actions were driven purely by a desire to help the soldiers and that he never expected national recognition for what he considered a small service.
A wave of pride and celebration swept through Taran Wali, a quiet village tucked along the India–Pakistan border, when news arrived that one of its youngest residents had been honoured at the highest level. Ten-year-old Shavan Singh received the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar at a ceremony in New Delhi, turning the spotlight on a village more accustomed to the routines and tensions of life near the border.
On the day of the award, homes across the village echoed with cheers as families gathered around television screens to watch the moment unfold. For Shavan’s parents, neighbours and relatives, seeing the young boy accept the award from the President was an emotional experience, one that few in the village had ever imagined witnessing.
Shavan’s recognition stems from his voluntary service to Army personnel stationed near the border during a period of heightened alert. At an age when most children are occupied with school and play, he spent his time offering chilled water, milk, tea, lassi and ice to jawans deployed close to the frontier. His simple but heartfelt gestures during a tense phase earned him admiration from the armed forces, who earlier conferred on him the title of “Youngest Civil Warrior” in acknowledgement of his patriotic spirit.
Speaking earlier, the young awardee had said that his actions were driven purely by a desire to help the soldiers and that he never expected national recognition for what he considered a small service. That humility has only added to the pride felt by those around him.
Congratulatory messages poured in from across the political and social spectrum, with leaders, officials and voluntary organisations lauding the child’s example. District officials described his achievement as a moment of honour not just for the border village but for Punjab and the nation at large, noting that Shavan’s actions reflected the courage, resilience and deep sense of patriotism that define communities living on the country’s frontiers.
At home, the emotions were deeply personal. Shavan’s father recalled being overwhelmed with tears as he watched his son receive the award on national television, while his mother said the moment left her “on cloud nine.” Like many in the village, they believe the honour belongs not only to their son, but to the entire community that has long lived as the nation’s first line of defence.
For Taran Wali, Shavan Singh’s achievement has transformed an ordinary border village into a symbol of youthful courage and quiet service, proving that even the smallest acts, when driven by sincerity, can resonate across the country.
