Media Eye News Bureau: Eighteen children, including seven girls have been selected for the National Bravery Awards 2017 where three of the bravehearts are being awarded posthumously.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will award these future leaders of the society at a function in New Delhi on January 24. They would then participate in the Republic Day Parade 2018 at the Rajpath, where they would be one of the main attractions of the event.
The coveted Bharat Award is being conferred on 18 year old Nazia of Uttar Pradesh who raised her voice against the illegal gambling and betting, which have been rampant for decades in her neighbourhood. She courageously faced and endured threats to her life but did not give up her fight.
The prestigious Geeta Chopra Award is being conferred on 14 year old Late Netravati M. Chavan of Karnataka who sacrificed her life in an attempt to save two boys from drowning.
The Sanjay Chopra Award is being given to 17½ year old Master Karanbeer Singh of Punjab who rescued several precious lives from death with his tireless efforts and indomitable courage.
Master Betshwajohn Peinlang (14 years) of Meghalaya, Mamata Dalai (7 ½ years) of Odisha, and Master Sebastian Vincent (13½ years) of Kerala are being given the Bapu Gaidhani Awards. Betshwajohn with his fearless act of bravery saved his brother from being burned alive. Mamata Dalai dragged her friend from a crocodile's jaws with her valourous and bold action. Sebastian bravely and fearlessly saved his friend's life from an inevitable mishap on a railway track.
The other recipients are Laxmi Yadav (Chhattisgarh), Mansha N, Master N. Shangpon Konyak, Master Yoaknei, Master Chingai Wangsa (all from Nagaland), Samridhi Sushil Sharma (Gujarat), Master Zonuntluanga, Late Master F. Lalchhandama (both from Mizoram), Master Pankaj Semwal (Uttarakhand), Master Nadaf Ejaj Abdul Rauf (Maharashtra), Late Km. Loukrakpam Rajeshwori Chanu (Manipur) and Master Pankaj Kumar Mahanta (Odisha).
The selection was made by a high-powered committee comprising representatives of various Ministries/Departments, Non-Governmental Organisations as well as office bearers of Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW).
President of India Ram Nath Kovind and several other dignitaries will host receptions in their honour. Several States too are organising functions to honour them at the State level.
The awardees receive a medal, certificate and cash. Eligible awardees will be granted financial assistance until they complete their schooling. Some State Governments also provide financial assistance to them.
