In a proud moment for Odisha, Sambhab Mishra, a 16-year-old literary prodigy from Cuttack, has been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023 in the field of Art & Culture. The prestigious award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to Indian culture, literature, and mythology.
A student of Lajpat Rai DAV Public School, Sambhab has authored three acclaimed books: Kalyug Brahmins, Vijayee Bhava Bharat, and The Mahabharat – Part I. His deep understanding of Indian epics and cultural heritage at such a young age has earned him national and international accolades.
Sambhab made history by becoming the youngest-ever Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, a 200-year-old scholarly society. He has also been appreciated by several prominent personalities including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Union Minister Smriti Irani also lauded Sambhab on social media, highlighting his rare feat and literary excellence. Along with the Bal Puraskar, he received a medal, certificate, and ₹1 lakh cash prize.
Speaking about the honour, Sambhab said, “I feel deeply honoured to receive this national award. My goal is to make Indian culture and mythology more accessible and inspiring for today’s youth.”
The Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian award for children under 18 years, presented annually to recognize exceptional achievements in fields like innovation, art & culture, scholastic excellence, sports, social service, and bravery.
Sambhab Mishra’s award marks a significant recognition not only of his personal talent but also of Odisha’s rich cultural legacy and its young torchbearers.
