Modi meets Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged youngsters to support the 'Vocal for Local' campaign just as they had taken forward the cleanliness campaign in the country and asserted that the youth are at the centre of all policies being framed by his government. During an online interaction with the recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, Modi also talked about the unveiling of the hologram statue of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose at the India Gate and said the "biggest inspiration we get from Netaji is - duty and nation first".

"Taking inspiration from Netaji, you have to proceed on your path of duty for the country," the prime minister said. Twenty-nine children, including 14 girls, were awarded in six fields - innovation, scholastic achievements, sports, arts and culture, social service and bravery. The Bal Puraskar recipients were awarded certificates digitally using blockchain technology. Each child was also given a medal and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000. The youth are at the centre of all policies being framed by his government, the prime minister said and added that the country feels proud to see that CEOs of all the big companies of the world are young Indians.

Calling for support to the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, Modi said children had played a major role in the success of the Swachh Bharat campaign and asked them to encourage people around them to use Indian goods. "Just like you came forward for the cleanliness campaign, you should also come forward for the Vocal for Local campaign. You count at home, make a list of the products that are not made in India, and urge the people of the house that when a similar product is bought in the future, it should be made in India" the prime minister said. Noting that women are doing wonders in areas where they were not even allowed earlier, he said this is the new India that does not hold back from innovating and is known for courage and resilience. "Today we feel proud when we see that the youth of India are innovating and taking the country forward." "Today we feel proud when we see that the CEOs of all the big companies of the world are young Indians and when we see the youth of India achieve laurels in the world of startups," Modi said.