In a state where academic toppers are routinely celebrated, an IAS officer has chosen to honor a different kind of achievement: resilience. District Collector Prem Krishnan S has introduced the DARE Awards to recognize differently-abled students for the effort it takes to overcome their challenges, not simply for the marks they score.
A Mother’s Appeal Sparks a Movement
The idea was born during a routine school visit. After Mr. Krishnan posted photos of a felicitation ceremony for exam toppers, a mother reached out to say her differently-abled child, despite enormous progress, never received acknowledgment. That single comment shifted his perspective. “These children achieve within their own limitations, and their effort deserves recognition,” he said.
Celebrating Progress Over Perfection
Launched in 2024, the first edition of the DARE Awards honored more than 250 students who cleared their Class 10 examinations, regardless of grades. The program was made possible through contributions from NGOs, civic groups, and local businesses. Venues, certificates, and trophies were arranged free of cost, underscoring the community’s embrace of the idea.
Recognition With Real Impact
For many families, the awards represented the first formal acknowledgment of their child’s hard work. Parents wept as their children walked on stage, trophies in hand. For students, it was motivation. One recipient from last year vowed to study harder for the next round, proof that recognition itself can fuel ambition.
Toward a Wider Horizon
Now in its second year, the initiative is gaining momentum. Plans are underway to include Class 12 students, and Mr. Krishnan hopes other districts — and eventually the state — will adopt the model. “It can grow into a national movement,” he said, “because every child’s effort matters.”
In Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, success is no longer measured only by marksheets. Through the DARE Awards, the dignity of effort is finally finding its rightful place on the stage.
