Devi Prasad, recipient of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, at Kalotsavam venue; returns with A Grade

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devi Prasad jumped with joy when the results of mridangam competition were announced. After securing A grade, his parents were happier than him. Devi Prasad is a plus two student of St Mary's Higher Secondary School at Pariyapuram in Malappuram.

This is the second time Devi Prasad is attending the arts fest. He had obtained first prize in CBSE state level when he was in the tenth standard. He wanted nothing less than A grade as it was his last chance to participate in the State School Arts Festival. He tried very hard and finally got what he wanted and left the stage.

Devi Prasad has been studying mridangam for ten years. His first guru was his father. He is now trained under V Surendran in Thiruvananthapuram. Devi Prasad, a humanities student, wants to become a teacher. He has received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. This award is given to students below 18, who have proved their skills in various fields.