Nashik - The 27th National Youth Award ceremony, a highlight of the 4th day of the National Festival, unfolded successfully in Nashik from January 12-16, 2024. The prestigious National Youth Award 2021 was presented to fifteen outstanding youths from various corners of the country, graced by the esteemed Honorable Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Nisith Pramanik. The event was attended by notable figures such as Hon. Ms. Vanita Sood, Director of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Hon. Mr. Radhakrishna Game, Commissioner of the respective department, and Hon. Dr. Suhas Diwase, the respected Sports Commissioner of Maharashtra.

The recipients of the National Youth Award at the National Youth Festival in Nashik include:

1. Mr. Adhi Daiv (17), Gurugram, Haryana

   • Notable for distinguished voluntary service in Environment Conservation.
   • Achievements include the Gold Crest Award in 2022 for Project Urvara and winning first prizes in various climate action initiatives.

2. Mr. Ankit Singh (29), Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh

   • Recognized for distinguished social service in Cleanliness, Blood donation, awareness rallies, health camps, and more.
   • Contributions extend to organizing career guidance programs and personality development workshops for rural students.

3. Mr. Bisathi Bharat (28), Anantapuram, Andhra Pradesh

   • Acknowledged for untiring voluntary services in Youth Empowerment and Community Development.
   • Coordinated the Beat Covid Campaign Initiative, earning the "Princess Diana Award" in 2021.

4. Mr. Keval Kishorbhai Pavara (27), Botad, Gujarat

   • Praised for exemplary leadership in Environment, blood donation, and social services.
   • Appointed as a Youth Ambassador of India for the World Summit for Peace.

5. Ms. Sushri Pallavi Thakur (26), Pathankot, Punjab

   • Recognized as one of the youngest Sarpanchs of Punjab.
   • Actively involved in the developmental work of her panchayat, focusing on education, women empowerment, and infrastructure development.

6. Mr. Prabhat Phogat (25), Jhajjar, Haryana

   • Commended for pursuing bee farming at a young age and motivating young farmers to adopt bee-keeping as a profession.

7. Mr. Ram Babu Sharma (28), Jaipur, Rajasthan

   • Demonstrated exemplary qualities in Women Empowerment, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Drug de-addiction Campaign, and more.

8. Mr. Rohit Kumar (29), Chandigarh

   • Recognized for distinguished social services in Environment Sustainability, Blood Donations & Awareness Camps, Education, Health & Hygiene.

9. Ms. Sakshi Anand (26), Patna, Bihar

   • Active member of "ProBono Club" spreading awareness about Fundamental Rights, Right to Education, Child Abuse, and more.

10. Mr. Samrat Basak (28), Dhalai, Tripura

    • Displayed distinguished voluntary service in social work and formation, monitoring, and strengthening of the network of rural youth clubs in Tripura.

11. Mr. Satyadev Arya (30), Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

    • Demonstrated distinguished voluntary service in Women Empowerment, Population Control, Swachhata Abhiyan, Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, etc.

12. Ms. Vaishnavi Shyam Gotmare (26), Akola, Maharashtra

    • Rendered distinguished social services for youth empowerment, women empowerment, empowerment of marginalized sectors, blood donation, etc.

13. Ms. Vidhi Subhash Palsapure (26), Latur, Maharashtra

    • Recognized for distinguished social services in the field of education for the poor and underprivileged.

14. Ms. Vinisha Umashankar (17), Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

    • Rendered distinguished services in Environment Conservation and Innovation, notably with the Solar-powered ironing cart.

15. Mr. Vivek Parihar, Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir

    • Acknowledged for voluntary and dedicated services in social work, promoting plantation and cleanliness drive, blood donation, etc.

The National Youth Award, presented annually during the National Youth Festival, recognizes individuals aged 15 to 29 for outstanding contributions in national or social service. This esteemed award aims to instill a sense of responsibility and foster personal growth as responsible citizens, marking the beginning of celebrations commemorating Swami Vivekananda's birthday. The ceremony took place at the Maha Yuva Gram Hanuman Nagar in the city.