President Droupadi Murmu Honours 10-Year-Old Shravan Singh for Service to Soldiers During Operation Sindoor
In a powerful reminder that patriotism knows no age, Droupadi Murmu on Friday conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on Shravan Singh, a 10-year-old boy from Punjab, for his selfless service to Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor.
Shravan’s act of courage unfolded during a period of heightened military tension between India and Pakistan, when Indian troops were deployed near his village along the international border.
Helping Soldiers Without Being Asked
Shravan Singh, a Class 4 student, lives in Tara Wali village in the Mamdot area of Ferozepur district. His village lies just two kilometres from the international border, making the region sensitive during military operations.
When soldiers arrived near his village as part of Operation Sindoor, Shravan decided to help them on his own. Every day, he carried water, milk, tea, buttermilk (lassi), and ice to the troops stationed in the area.
Despite the risks associated with the tense security situation, the young boy continued his routine without hesitation.
‘I Thought I Should Serve Them’
Reacting to the honour, Shravan said his actions came purely from his heart. “When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily. I feel very proud to receive this award. I never imagined this would happen,” Shravan said, as quoted by ANI.
Officials confirmed that Shravan acted without any prompting from his family, underlining the voluntary nature of his service.
Family and Army Express Pride
Shravan’s father said the family felt immense pride in his son’s actions.
“We are very proud of him. The soldiers loved him and always appreciated his help,” he said. The Indian Army had earlier recognised Shravan’s contribution. In May, Major General Ranjit Singh Manral, General Officer Commanding of the 7th Infantry Division, personally honoured the boy for his dedication to the troops.
Dreams of Wearing the Uniform
The recognition has only strengthened Shravan’s desire to serve the nation. The young awardee has expressed a clear ambition for the future. “I want to become a fauji when I grow up. I want to serve the country,” Shravan said.
His story has resonated widely, highlighting how values of service and patriotism can take root even at a young age.
Background: What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor followed Indian military strikes carried out on May 7, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. During the operation, the Indian Air Force conducted night-time precision strikes on terror infrastructure linked to banned organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
The strikes targeted nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Key sites included:
- Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur
- Sarjal in Tehra Kalan
- Markaz Abbas in Kotli
- Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad
- Of these, four targets were inside Pakistan, while five were in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Ceasefire After Days of Hostilities
Following the strikes, Pakistan launched retaliatory attacks on Indian military bases and shelled border areas for three consecutive days. The situation later de-escalated after both sides arrived at a ceasefire understanding.
During this tense period, civilians living near the border faced uncertainty and danger—making Shravan’s daily acts of service all the more remarkable.
A Symbol of Young India’s Spirit
Shravan Singh’s recognition through the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar stands as a symbol of courage, compassion, and national service.
At an age when most children focus only on school and play, Shravan chose empathy and responsibility. His story reflects the quiet strength of India’s border communities—and the extraordinary potential of its youngest citizens.
