Bringing immense pride to Assam and the nation, Shreya Bhattacharjee, a 12-year-old tabla prodigy from Bokajan in Karbi Anglong district, has been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023 in the category of Art & Culture. The prestigious national honour was conferred by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on the eve of Republic Day.
Shreya, who began learning tabla at the age of three under the guidance of her father Rajib Bhattacharjee, a music teacher, has already performed at over 200 events. She holds an India Book of Records title for playing tabla non-stop for 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 53 seconds—the longest performance by a child. Her talent has also earned her accolades in national competitions and a gold medal at the 9th Cultural Olympiad of Performing Arts.
Dressed in traditional Assamese attire, Shreya received personal appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted:
“Shreya Bhattacharjee, a Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardee, is a tabla artist who has a record for playing the tabla for the longest duration. Had a very good interaction with her.”
Union Minister Smriti Irani also congratulated Shreya and other young achievers during the award ceremony.
The Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian award for children under 18, comes with a medal, a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, and a certificate of excellence.
- Cultural Excellence: Shreya is preserving and popularising Indian classical music from the grassroots level.
- Inspiration for the Northeast: Her recognition shines a spotlight on the rich artistic talent emerging from Assam and the Northeast.
- Youth Empowerment: At just 12, she’s a symbol of dedication, discipline, and the limitless potential of India’s youth.
Shreya Bhattacharjee’s journey is a rhythm of talent, tradition, and triumph—making her a true ambassador of Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
