The President Droupadi Murmu is presenting the Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to Suman Sarkar. Pictures PIB/BS News Agency. PIB/BS News Agency, New Delhi 26 December 2025: Sixteen-year-old tabla prodigy Suman Sarkar has been selected for the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in recognition of his exceptional achievements in the field of Art and Culture, as well as his commitment to social service through music education.
Suman Sarkar has been undergoing rigorous training in tabla for over 13 years and has already delivered more than 62 performances across prominent national and international platforms. His talent and discipline have earned him 43 national and international certificates, including 22 first-place awards. His notable achievements include accolades at renowned fora such as Chhandavan (USA), Indo–Bangladesh Cultural Competitions, Dover Lane Music Conference and the National Kala Utsav, where he was awarded Gold Medal.
Beyond personal excellence, Suman has demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility. He has utilised his prize money to purchase tablas for underprivileged children and provides them free training, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to classical music education. To institutionalise this effort, he founded the Ranaghat Humanities Education Centre, Nadia, which currently benefits 42 students, nurturing young talent and promoting cultural inclusivity at the grassroots level.
Suman’s dedication to preserving and promoting India’s rich musical heritage, while simultaneously empowering disadvantaged children through education, has drawn widespread appreciation. His contributions have also been recognised through several honours, including the Bharat Ratna Dr. M. S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship, further underscoring his impact as both an artiste and a mentor.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the highest civilian honour for children in India, celebrates exceptional achievements by young individuals in diversified fields. Suman Sarkar’s selection for this award highlights not only his outstanding artistic accomplishments but also his exemplary commitment to service, discipline, and cultural enrichment.
His journey poses an inspiring example of how young talent, when guided by dedication and social consciousness, can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s cultural legacy.