The president of India, Ms Droupadi Murmu recently conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar award to fourteen-year-old Ms Keya Hatkar a resident of Vizag who is presently located in Mumbai for better medical attention.

An author and disability advocate, Ms Keya overcame the challenges of Spinal muscular Atrophy (SMA) , a rare degenerative and potentially life-threatening condition.

The award was bestowed upon her for her excellence in the field of art and culture.

Ms Keya is an accomplished author having written best sellers like ‘Dancing on My Wheels’ and ‘I M Possible’. In addition to her literary achievements, she is the founder of many nonprofit initiatives like I M Possible and SMA-ART.

The young girl also delivers inspiring motivational talks, championing inclusivity and raising awareness about disability.

Conferring the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 16 other children too, in seven categories, for their exceptional achievements Ms Murmu said that the entire country and society is proud of them.

‘In the year 2047 when we will celebrate the centenary of India’s independence, these award winners will be enlightened citizens of the country. Such talented boys and girls will become the builders of a developed India’ said the President of India.

Later Ms Keya got to interact with the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi wherein he heard her story & lauded her efforts in achieving this award.

The PM was presented copies of her award winning best seller books and art works. Mr Modi urged her to have the books translated & published in regional languages so as to imbibe this motivational spirit far and wide amongst others. The publishers graciously consented for the same.