- The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, has invited nominations for the prestigious National Youth Award (NYA) 2024, which honours young Indians and voluntary organisations for their exceptional work in social service and national development.
About the Award:
- The National Youth Award is presented annually to recognise and motivate youth aged 15–29 years who have demonstrated excellence in diverse fields such as health, research and innovation, culture, human rights, art and literature, tourism, traditional medicine, community service, sports, academic excellence, and smart learning.
- It also acknowledges voluntary organisations that have made significant contributions to youth empowerment and nation-building.
- The award seeks to instill a sense of responsibility towards the community and inspire youth to enhance their personal potential as responsible citizens.
- The awards are usually conferred during the National Youth Festival, celebrated every January to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Award Categories and Prize:
The NYA is presented in two categories: Individual and Organisation.
- Individual Category: Up to 20 individuals may be awarded annually. Each recipient receives a medal, certificate, and ₹1,00,000 in cash.
- Organisation Category: Up to 5 voluntary youth organisations may be awarded annually. Each organisation is presented with a medal, certificate, and ₹3,00,000 in cash.
- The number of awards may vary at the discretion of the sanctioning authority in deserving cases.
Significance:
- By recognising exceptional contributions in nation-building, the National Youth Award not only celebrates the spirit of volunteerism but also motivates the younger generation to dedicate themselves to the service of society, thereby shaping a stronger and more responsible India.