Speaking on the occasion, she said "of the 26 students in class 10th who got the highest marks, 18 are girls. Similarly, in class 12th, among the 71 students who scored the highest marks, 42 are girls."
"I measure the progress of community by the degree of progress, which women had achieved," she said quoting Ambedkar.
Stressing that the future of the society and the country depends on students, she said education and knowledge not only make social and cultural life better "but also make us spiritual".
Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, an autonomous organization under the aegis of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, presents these annual awards to recognize and encourage the meritorious students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for their commendable performance in Class 10th and Class 12th examinations. The award carries a citation and cash award.