Kovind presents National Child Awards

New Delhi, Nov 14 : On the occasion of Children's Day on Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind presented National Child Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

In a message sent to the Ministry of Women and Child Development on the occasion, Kovind said: "Children are the future of our country. We must make every effort to ensure their welfare.

"We should also make all possible efforts to ensure that children in our country have a safe and happy childhood.

"Every child is a bud waiting to blossom. By awarding children, we recognise and encourage their talent and potential for nation building.

The President also called for recognition of significant contribution of individuals and institutions who work for causes related to children, said an official release.

The awards included the National Child Awards for Exceptional Achievement that give recognition to children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements in the fields of innovation, scholastic achievements, sports, arts, culture, social service and music.

National Awards for Child Welfare were given to institutions and individuals for their outstanding work in the field of child welfare and the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Awards were given individuals for their outstanding contribution towards service for children.

Later, the President celebrated Children's Day with students and children from various institutions.