Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh presented Jeevan Raksha Padak Award 2017 to Master John Lalditsak during an award ceremony at the CM’s Secretariat here on Thursday.
Khurai MLA L Susindro Meitei, OSD to Chief Minister Sumant Singh, secretary, Tribal Affairs &Hills and special secretary, Home, Kh Raghumani Singh, secretary to CM, Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district, Shyamlal Poonia and parents of Master John Lalditsak attended the ceremony.
The civilian award – Jeevan Raksha Padak Award 2017 – was conferred by President of India and Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to Master John Lalditsak in recognition of his indomitable courage and selfless heroic act for saving three persons from drowning on October 12, 2015.
The Jeevan Raksha Padak Award consists of Jeevan Raksha Padak Medal, miniature medal, certificate and a cheque of Rs 1,00,000. Master John Lalditsak is the son of Edwin Lalrosiem Hmar, a resident of Saikot, Tuithaphai in Churachandpur district.
Speaking to reporters, the Manipur CM said, “It is indeed a matter of pride for the State that we have such a brave and courageous child like Master John Lalditsak in the State.” He believes that the present and future generation of the State should have such courageous spirit, sacrificial and selfless characteristics like that of Master John Lalditsak.
It may be mentioned that the President of India approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2017 on 44 persons including Sarvottam Rasha Padak to 7 persons, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 13 persons and Jeevan Raksha Padak to 24 persons.
Out of these, seven awards were given to seven persons posthumously. The Jeevan Raksha Padak Award is a civilian life-saving award has been presented by the Government of India since 1961.