Pokhara: Child social activist Prensa Regmi has been honoured with the Sarubhakta National Child Talent Award 2083. She received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 along with a certificate of honour.

The award was presented to her at a programme held in Pokhara on Saturday by Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, senior literary figure Sarubhakta, and Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, Tirtha Shrestha.

The decision to confer the award was made following a recommendation from the award selection committee, which was subsequently endorsed by the executive committee of the Sarubhakta Centre.

According to Dr. Iswar Mani Adhikari, coordinator of the award selection committee, Regmi was selected in recognition of her active involvement in social service from an early age, humanitarian sensitivity, and contributions to the welfare of socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

The selection reflects the belief that child talent is not limited to art, literature, music and sports, but is also expressed through social awareness, humanitarian service and commitment to social transformation.

Born on 2069 BS in Myagdi, Regmi currently resides in Phulbari, Pokhara. She is a Grade 9 student at Gandaki Boarding School in Pokhara. Actively involved in social service from an early age, she has been making efforts to address various community issues.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she carried out humanitarian activities, including distributing masks and sanitizers, arranging food supplies for underprivileged families and providing clothing to those in need. She has also been active in establishing a clothes bank to support disadvantaged children, distributing educational materials and raising her voice against violence against girls and women.

Speaking at the programme held under the chairmanship of Sarubhakta Centre Chairperson Mahendra Shrestha, Mayor Acharya said children should be encouraged to pursue activities according to their interests and aspirations. He said Regmi had reached her current position because her parents understood her feelings and supported her accordingly. He also expressed gratitude to the Sarubhakta Sarokar Kendra for establishing the award.

Literary figure Sarubhakta said the award was initiated because there were relatively few awards dedicated to children compared to other fields. He compared encouraging and motivating children to watering a plant, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent.

Tirtha Shrestha and Prof. Dr. Kusumakar Neupane, Vice-Chancellor of Gandaki Academy, also extended their best wishes. Saraswati Pratiksha, vice-chairperson of the organisation and Chancellor of Pokhara Pragya Pratishthan, delivered the welcome remarks, while Dr. Adhikari introduced the award recipient. The programme was facilitated by Upendra Poudel.

Gandaki Boarding School Principal Bishwayudhir Poudel Gharti also spoke about Regmi’s positive influence within the school. On the occasion, eight-year-old Bhumilaxmi Parajuli narrated a story from a book she had written at the age of six.

Speaking after receiving the award, Regmi said age, position or wealth were not prerequisites for bringing about change.

“Children are not just the future pillars of the nation; we are also agents of change in the present,” she said. “If a child raises their voice against discrimination faced by a friend, that itself is a form of change.”

Emphasising that change begins with small steps, she urged children not to consider their age or circumstances as limitations or defining identities.

She explained that social service means understanding the suffering of others and taking responsible action to address injustice.

“We are witnessing many challenges in our society, including violence against children, child marriage, social malpractices, gender discrimination, unequal access to education, economic inequality and the problems faced by communities deprived of their rights,” she said.

She further noted that denying children their right to education was equivalent to losing a potential scientist or future leader.

Regmi stressed that social justice is not an act of charity but a fundamental right of every individual.

“The real meaning of support is not to keep someone under your shadow, but to provide them with opportunities to stand on their own feet,” she said.

She pledged to work more responsibly in the coming days towards protecting child rights, promoting women’s rights and building a violence-free society. She described the award not as her final destination but as a new beginning.

The Sarubhakta National Child Talent Award was established in 2057 BS and is presented to talented children below the age of 16. After remaining suspended for several years, the award distribution resumed following the establishment of the Sarubhakta Centre.

Previous recipients of the award include Temba Chhiri Sherpa, Jyoti Thapa, Ritu Lama, Shikha Katuwal, Karuna Gurung, Sipora Gurung, Kushal KC, Nima Chhyangdi Sherpa and Suprim Malla Thakuri.

Photo: Parichaya