In a first of its kind event, the Hon’ble Minister of Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar felicitated 46 students who achieved high in their XII exams, despite hailing from economically weakest of weaker sections. Gun Gaurav , the felicitation ceremony held today at Minister’s residence was an acknowledgement of the consistent efforts and merit of these students . “ Hearty congratulation to all of you, who braved the most difficult circumstances to become great achievers in the exam”, the Minister congratulated them.During interaction with the students, the Minister saluted their extraordinary effort, and grit and determination which have landed them in reputed colleges as well. He expressed immense pleasure that most of them aspired to become teachers in their future. The students were also given books of Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam and Veergatha series as gifts. During the interaction, the Minister was also given surprise gifts of Paintings by the students.
Most of the felicitated students are hailing from one room houses across different slums in Delhi facing challenges of poverty. He appreciated the efforts of NGOs Asha India, Navjyoti India Foundation, Salaam Baalak and Seva Bharati in assisting and empowering these students to excel in their education. He also exhorted for having active community participation in motivating the students from difficult circumstances. The programme signified the efforts of the government to bring the meritorious students to the mainstream and motivate them to continue their best efforts further in their life. The Minister also appreciated the efforts of CBSE to felicitate students from diverse, socially and economically disadvantaged strata and support them through scholarship schemes. The function was also attended by Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Minister of State (HRD) and Dr. S.C Khuntia, Secretary (School Education and Literacy) who also spoke on the occasion and gave away gifts to the students. Sh. Y.S.K Seshu Kumar, Joint Secretary (AE &NLM) and Chairman, CBSE and other senior officers of MHRD and CBSE were also present.