Suhail Khan
BARAMULLA, Jan 27: The Kashmir’s youngest Rabab Maestro, Ishfaq Hamid, arrived at his home in Baramulla District on Saturday after being honored with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rastriya Bal Puraskar Award in New Delhi.
Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said that Ishfaq was welcomed with great joy by his family upon his arrival in his hometown in Baramulla district. The award was presented to him by President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at Vigyan Bhawan earlier this week.
President Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar-2024 in six categories: art and culture (7), bravery (1), innovation (1), science and technology (1), social service (4), and sports (5).
Ishfaq’s remarkable skills in the Art and Culture category have brought him this well-deserved recognition on a national level. This is not the first time Ishfaq has been honored for his talent. He has previously received recognition during the 13th Kashmir festival and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Prakash Parv. Additionally, NGO Sarhad honored him with the Bhai Mardana National Award 2020.
Expressing his happiness and gratitude, Ishfaq, talking to Kashmir Despatch, stated, “I felt very happy when my name was selected for this award. I have worked very hard for it.” He said, “It was a great pleasure for me to visit New Delhi and receive this token of love from our President.”
In a message to the youth, Ishfaq urged them to strive for greatness and make their parents and society proud. He said, “It is your life, so do your best and achieve great heights.” Ishfaq credited his parents for their unwavering support and guidance, stating, “I owe this achievement to them.”
The entire community is overjoyed and proud of Ishfaq’s accomplishments. His parents, filled with happiness, expressed their delight at their son’s achievement.
Pertinently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also congratulated young maestro Ishfaq Hamid on winning the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. In a post on X, he wrote, “Your achievements in the field of art & culture have brought immense pride to J&K. May your success continue to inspire others to pursue their artistic passion.”
Meanwhile, DC Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, also extends heartfelt congratulations to Ishfaq Hamid, a 13-year-old young achiever from the Baramulla District.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
