Presentation of “Balashri Award 2000” for Creative Scientific Innovation to Shriharsh, son of Shri Prakash Tendulkar, FA&CAO/MTP/CR – IRAS(1980)

This is an award instituted by an autonomous institution called the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. This is an institution set up by the Ministry of HRD, Child Welfare Dept. Every state in its turn is expected to set up an institute called Jawahar Bal Bhavan for the same purpose. Some states like Bihar have not done so even

after 50 years of independence.

Through these Bal Bhavans, the National Institution scouts for talent in children all over the country in various fields of creative arts. These are drawing, dance, drama, music (instrumental & vocal), writing etc. Since the year 2000 they have decided to include science in this talent search.

Shriharsh had earlier won a gold medal in the Bhabha Junior Scientist competition held in Mumbai in 1997. He had also won a Gold medal in the Competitive examination in science held by the University of New South Wales in the year 1998.

He was also selected for the National camp for Astronomy Olympiad for two consecutive years in 2000 & 2001. Looking at his record he was invited by the Jawahar Bal Bhavan for this selection which is conducted at three different levels; state, zone and national.

A panel of experts in the field designs the tests. The nominees of different states are examined for their analytical ability, creativity and aptitude for solving scientific problems.

In the end Shriharsh was adjudged suitable for the Award which consists of A citation and Rs.10,000/-. The First lady gave it ceremoniously in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in presence of the Hon. Minister for HRD, Shri Murali Manohar Joshi, Dy. Minister, Child Development, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, and a large gathering of which Prakash and his wife Jyotsna were a part.

The Citation

Tendulkar Shriharsh Prakash, a fourteen-year-old boy, is from Mumbai, Maharashtra. His mother is a Professor and his father is a Railway Officer. His ambition is to become an Astrophysicist. His hobbies are sky watching, woodcarving, aeromodelling, trekking and taking part in the science quizzes. His work showed his observance power and clarity of thought. He showed an innovative style, problem solving aptitude and a critical analytical power.

The IRAS fraternity is proud of Shriharsh’s achievements.