Patna: Local lad Sharad Sagar has been announced as one of the Queen's Young Leaders for 2018.

He is among the five runners-up from India whose name has figured for the award.

Established in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England, Queen's Young Leaders Award celebrates exceptional young people from across the 52 countries of the Commonwealth who are leading their communities and transforming people's lives.

Sharad is one of the 24 honourees from all across Asia of the prestigious award by the Royal Family of UK.

Sharing details of the selection process, Sharad on Thursday told The Telegraph that he had received an email that his name had been referred for the award and he could apply for it.

"Following this I sent an application and after a certain selection process I was interviewed over telephone in the first week of November. Now my name has figured in the list of award winners," he said.

The Queen's Young Leader Award recognises and celebrates exceptional people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives. Winners of this prestigious Award will receive a package of training, mentoring and networking.

Sharad studied on a Rs 4-crore scholarship at the prestigious Tufts University in Boston, United States. In May 2016, Sharad became the first Indian in 160 years of university history to deliver the Graduation Address at Tufts University. Later that month, Sharad turned down a Master's Degree offer from Harvard University to return to India to continue working with children and youths.

Reacting to the latest feather in his cap, Sharad said: "This award will give confidence to kids back in the country that this kind of recognition is possible if one pursues one's dream honestly."