President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar upon 10-year-old Shravan Singh in New Delhi on Friday, 26 December 2025.
Hailing from the border village of Tara Wali in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, the Class 4 student was honoured for his selfless service during “Operation Sindoor.”
Amidst dangerous cross-border shelling and military tensions with Pakistan in May 2025, Shravan voluntarily provided water, milk, and essential supplies to Indian Army soldiers stationed at the frontlines.
The award recognises his extraordinary bravery as a young civilian contributor who supported the nation’s defenders at great personal risk.
Who Is Shravan Singh?
Shravan Singh is a resilient ten-year-old student currently enrolled in Class 4 in Tara Wali village, located in the Mamdot sector of Punjab’s Ferozepur district. Living in a high-security zone just two kilometres from the international border with Pakistan, he has grown up witnessing the daily realities of military life.
Despite his young age, Shravan gained national recognition for his maturity and bravery, voluntarily supporting frontline troops during Operation Sindoor. Driven by a childhood dream to join the armed forces, he remains a symbol of youthful patriotism.
Shravan Singh: Little Hero
The backdrop of Shravan’s heroism lies in the volatile period of May 2025, following a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. In response, the Indian Air Force launched precision strikes across nine locations in Pakistan and PoK, targeting terror hubs like Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Markaz Subhan Allah.
This led to “Operation Sindoor,” a massive military mobilisation along the Punjab border. As artillery fire and shelling echoed through the Mamdot sector, most residents sought cover. However, young Shravan, living just two kilometres from the international boundary, chose to step out to assist the troops.
Serving the Protectors
During the peak of the standoff, Shravan became a familiar and welcome sight for the soldiers of the 7th Infantry Division. Without any prompting from his parents, the young boy regularly carried buckets of milk, tea, buttermilk, and even ice to the soldiers entrenched in the heat of the Punjab summer.
His initiative provided more than just physical nourishment; it offered a morale boost to the personnel guarding the borders. Before receiving the national Bal Puraskar, Shravan’s quiet dedication had already earned him a special commendation from Major General Ranjit Singh Manral in May.
Bal Puraskar
At the ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu lauded Shravan for embodying high ideals and a deep sense of patriotism at such a tender age.
Shravan, reflecting on his actions with characteristic humility, stated that he felt a natural duty to serve the “faujis” who had come to protect his village.
He admitted that he had never dreamt of receiving such a high honour but felt immense pride. His father expressed the family’s joy, noting that the soldiers in the area had developed a deep affection for the boy during the operation.
Dreams of Becoming a Fauji
Shravan’s experiences on the frontlines have significantly shaped his vision for the future. Inspired by the men he served during Operation Sindoor, the young awardee has expressed a firm desire to join the Indian Army when he grows up.
He told reporters, “I want to become a fauji and serve the country.” His story has resonated across the nation, showcasing how a young child’s simple act of kindness can bridge the gap between civilians and the military. The Punjab government and local officials have hailed him as a symbol of the state’s resilient spirit.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe Shravan Singh’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of empathy in times of conflict. While the geopolitical situation remained tense, a ten-year-old boy chose to respond not with fear, but with a glass of water and a helping hand.
His bravery highlights the importance of social responsibility and the impact of individual actions in supporting our community. While we strive for a peaceful world where children are shielded from the sights of war, Shravan’s spirit of service is an inspiration to all.
