Saina Salonika got National Child Award 2014

Odisha Chess player Saina Salonika received a citation, a silver medal and Rs 10,000 in cash from President of India Pranab Mukherjee today.

The President handed the National Child Award 2014 for Exceptional Achievement to 20 talented and brave children on the occasion of Children’s Day, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.

Saina Salonika is a World Chess champion in the under-10 category. She has won a number of international competitions and received the award for her achievement in the field of sports.

After the function, Mukherjee met the students personally and asked them to seek inspiration from the ideals and sacrifices of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister whose birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day Nov 14.

“Children are the future citizens of the country,” said Mukherjee as he asked them to put in their best efforts to ensure a ‘Clean India’.

The President urged the children to keep their schools, classrooms, houses and surroundings clean.

Saina expressed her gratitude to AN Sahay, CMD MCL and KIIT authorities for their encouragement and support.