A communication from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has conveyed to Rashmirekha her selection for the award, which is presented every year to disabled persons on World Disabled Day.
Though she is now 28 years old, her mental and other activities are like that of a 10-12 year child, her mother Subhagini Sahu told PTI here. Discovering Rashmirekha`s interest in dance and sports, parents and teachers gave her training in Odissi, her family members said.
Rashmirekha won national level prizes in national festival of dance and music in 1999 and Utsab award for dance and music in 2000. She also won a gold medal in 100 mtr walking and bronze in 50 mtr running in special olympics Bharat, National Games 2005 held at New Delhi.
For her multi-faceted activities Rashmirekha won the excellence award 2010 in the national children`s festival (Anjali programme). The Indian Red Cross society, Odisha also honoured her by presenting a citation, shield and cash prize of Rs.5,000 on Utkal Divas celebration in 2007.