Himachal’s Sumit Thakur honoured with National Youth Award for public service, one among only 11 in India to be feted

MANDI: In a monumental recognition of selfless service, the Government of India has conferred the prestigious National Youth Award upon Sumit Thakur of Shuru village in Manali subdivision of Himachal Pradesh.
Sumit Thakur is one among only 11 youth selected from over 70 million youth across the country by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The national honour, presented by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Raksha Khadse and Secretary Meeta Rajiv Lochan celebrates exceptional contributions in fields such as community service, youth engagement, awareness campaigns and humanitarian efforts.
Sumit Thakur received the award for his notable service during 2021 and 2022, with a special emphasis on his impactful work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award not only shines a spotlight on Sumit Thakur’s relentless public service but also brings pride to Himachal Pradesh, as his selection marks a rare and commendable achievement for the hill state.

From quiet village roots to national acclaim

Sumit’s journey began in the serene village of Shuru, nestled in the hills of Manali. Unlike many in the region who pursue commercial success through tourism and trade, Sumit’s heart was drawn early on toward public service and community welfare.
Even during his school days, he displayed a deep sense of social responsibility, which later evolved into full-fledged action through blood donation drives, organ donation awareness campaigns and mobilising youth for various causes.
He played a crucial role in delivering government welfare schemes to underprivileged communities, helping the most vulnerable access essential services, especially during the challenging COVID era.
A strong believer in collective effort, Sumit attributes his success to the unwavering support of his parents, mentors, peers and well-wishers. He considers the award a shared achievement, reflecting the efforts of all who stood by him.

Youth leader and change-maker

This isn’t Sumit Thakur’s first recognition at the national level. He was previously awarded the President’s Award under the National Service Scheme (NSS) for outstanding voluntary service.
Today, he is a co-founder and former president of ‘Yuva: NGO Himachal Pradesh’, a grassroots organisation actively working across all districts of the state.
In his current role as chief innovation officer (CIO) of the NGO, Sumit continues to connect and empower youth to engage in meaningful social impact work.
His growing popularity and digital presence have turned him into a youth icon, with social media flooded with congratulations from across the state. Local celebrations and personal visits of appreciation have poured in since the announcement of the award.

Munish Sood