Pune’s Sonit Sisolekar, the youngest volcanologist of India aged 13, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar’ (also known as Bal Shakti Puraskar) for his exceptional scientific achievements.
 

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, formerly known as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, is India's Highest Civilian Honour bestowed upon exceptional achievers under the age of 18. The award was instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India in 1996 to recognize children with exceptional abilities and outstanding status in various fields such as academics, arts, culture, design, innovation, research, social service, and sports.

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The Honorable prime minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi interacted with Sonit and other awardees on the 25th of January 2021. The awardees will receive the medal and certificates at the hands of the Honorable President of India.