Inspirational young Indians presented top international award
56 young people from across India were today presented with their Gold Award from the internationally renowned International Award for Young People, India.
The award was presented by Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, British High Commissioner to India at a ceremony held at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
The Award, also known as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, is a global, non-formal education framework which challenges young people to discover their potential and celebrate their achievements. It operates in more than 130 countries and territories around the world, helping to inspire over 1.3 million young people every year.
Sir Dominic Asquith British High Commissioner to India, said:
It has been a great honour to meet such a dynamic group of young people today, and to hear about their Award journeys. Achieving a Gold Award is no small feat - it requires commitment, resilience and enthusiasm – something these awardees have in spades. I am sure that this will be just the first exciting step in a long journey of achievement.
Kapil Bhalla, National Director of the International Award for Young People, India, said:
The Award helps India’s young people to challenge themselves, experience life and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. The Gold Award challenges participants over 18 months and more, in five areas - physical activity, skill development, service to community, residential project and by taking them outside of their comfort zone, through an adventurous journey.
In India, the Award has established partnerships with NGOs working within the marginalised youth sector, including rural and urban migrants with economic and social challenges and young people with special needs. It has a strong commitment to work with young people who are considered at risk or marginalised, for example those with social, physical or economic challenges. It aims to ensure at least 20% of all enrolment encompasses young people from these backgrounds.
The Award was first introduced in India in 1962 and has since equipped over 100,000 young people with new skills. In 2017 alone, more than 42,000 participants in India undertook the Award programme.
Further information
For an insight into Awardees stories, please visit:
The International Award for Young People, India - also known as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - is the world’s leading youth achievement Award, available to all young people aged 14-24, regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests
Founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the Award enables young people to learn, develop and thrive through non-formal education, equipping them for life. It challenges participants, pushing them to their personal limits and helping them to discover they are capable of more than they ever thought possible.
It is delivered around the world by schools, colleges, universities, employers, social clubs, uniformed and non-uniformed youth organisations, young offenders’ institutions, religious organisations, sports clubs and other civic organisations. In India, the award is delivered in more than 260 Award units, schools, universities and community organisations.
Since its launch over 60 years ago, millions of young people have participated and received Awards, with millions more benefiting from its impact in communities around the world.
The Duke of Edinburgh`s International Award Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (1072453).
Further background information is available within the Foundation’s media pack available via https://www.intaward.org/media-centre
For more information on the awards please visit the International Award for Young People website or contact:
Kapil Bhalla,
National Director, The International Award for Young People, India.
T: +9111-41087062, M: +91-9810032525
Email to: Kapil