Who is Shravan Singh? 10-year-old awarded Bal Puraskar for helping soldiers during Op Sindoor

A 10-year-old boy from Punjab has been awarded the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his selfless service to Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor. Shravan Singh, a Class 4 student from Tara Wali village in Ferozepur district, was recognised for delivering water, milk, and lassi to soldiers stationed near his village, which is only about 2 km from the India-Pakistan border. His small but meaningful contribution came during a period of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

The award was presented to Shravan by President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Friday. Officials said Shravan took this initiative voluntarily and without any prompting from his family. Despite the risks involved, he would visit the soldiers regularly and provide them with refreshments, rations, and drinks. Speaking to ANI news agency, Shravan said, “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 great to be awarded. I had never dreamt of it.”

Shravan’s initiative and recognition

Shravan’s contribution had earlier been recognised by the Indian Army. In May, Major General Ranjit Singh Manral, the General Officer Commanding of the 7th Infantry Division, honoured him for his efforts. Shravan’s father expressed pride in his son’s actions, stating, “We are proud of him. Even the soldiers loved him.” The young boy has also shared his future ambition, saying, “I want to become a ‘fauji’ when I grow up. I want to serve the country.”

His service during Operation Sindoor was quiet but deeply appreciated by the troops. Officials said the boy’s dedication showed a rare sense of civic responsibility and patriotism for someone so young. His daily visits to the soldiers, bringing refreshments and helping with small chores, boosted the morale of the troops stationed near the international border.

Shravan’s village, Tara Wali, is situated close to the border and has seen increased military activity during heightened tensions. This proximity made his contributions even more notable, as he personally interacted with soldiers while following safety precautions. The story of a young child voluntarily helping the armed forces became widely appreciated on social media and in the local community, showing the impact of small acts of service.

Background on Operation Sindoor and border tensions

Operation Sindoor took place amid rising tensions following Indian military strikes on May 7, 2025. The Indian Air Force conducted night raids targeting terror camps run by banned outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Some of the key sites included Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, Sarjal in Tehra Kalan, Markaz Abbas in Kotli, and the Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad. Of these nine targets, four were inside Pakistan, and five were in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The strikes were carried out as retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Following India’s strikes, Pakistan launched repeated attacks on Indian military bases and shelled border areas for three consecutive days. The situation eventually stabilised after both sides arrived at a ceasefire understanding.

During this tense period, soldiers stationed near border villages like Tara Wali faced difficult conditions, including continuous patrolling and extended deployments. Shravan’s small acts of delivering refreshments, water, and lassi provided them with much-needed support and encouragement. His initiative highlighted the importance of community support for the armed forces, even in challenging situations.

Shravan Singh’s recognition with the Bal Puraskar is not just a personal achievement but also a reminder of how even young citizens can contribute meaningfully to the country. His actions reflect courage, selflessness, and a sense of duty. The award ceremony served as an inspiration to other children to participate in social and community service and support the nation in their own ways.

In conclusion, Shravan Singh’s story is a shining example of patriotism and kindness. At just 10 years old, he showed remarkable courage and empathy by serving soldiers during a sensitive operation along the border. His recognition by the President of India through the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar honours not only his personal contribution but also the spirit of community support for the armed forces. The young boy’s dedication and ambition to join the armed forces in the future inspire others to contribute positively to society, no matter their age or circumstances.