In an inspiring celebration of intellect, resilience, and devotion to India’s ancient heritage, Vyas Om Jignesh, a 17-year-old from Gujarat living with cerebral palsy, has been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in the Art and Culture category.
Vyas has astounded scholars, spiritual leaders, and educators across the country by memorising over 5,000 Sanskrit shlokas, including verses from the Vedas, Upanishads, and classical epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. His achievement is not only a rare intellectual feat but a powerful statement of determination triumphing over adversity.
Despite physical limitations, Vyas began his Sanskrit journey at a young age, guided by his deep love for spiritual texts and Indian philosophy. Over the years, he developed the capacity to recite thousands of complex verses — often flawlessly — with clarity, precision, and deep understanding.
His extraordinary memory and pronunciation have earned him the affectionate title of “Walking Shloka Encyclopedia” among his teachers and peers.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian award for children under 18, recognizes exceptional achievements across various fields. Vyas Om Jignesh’s award in Art and Culture celebrates his contribution to preserving and promoting India’s classical language and sacred knowledge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his message, said:
“Vyas Om is a shining example of how perseverance and devotion can overcome every obstacle. His reverence for Sanskrit is a service to our cultural soul.”
Vyas’ journey is also a source of inspiration for children with disabilities across India. He has shown that with the right support and an unwavering will, one can break through limitations and reach extraordinary heights. His parents and teachers describe him as a quiet powerhouse — humble, focused, and driven by purpose.
Vyas now aims to publish a Sanskrit audio guide for children and is working on a compilation of rare shlokas with explanations, hoping to make India’s cultural roots more accessible to the younger generation.
At just 17, Vyas Om Jignesh stands as a guardian of India’s spiritual legacy, proving that strength is not always physical — it lies in the mind, the soul, and in fearless dedication.
