As many as ten children from the Northeastern region were honoured with National Bravery Awards by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday . Two of them bagged posthumously.
Prime Minister Modi conferred bravery awards to 18 children from across India.
Interacting with the awardees, the Prime Minister said their deeds of bravery are discussed extensively, and also highlighted by the media. “They inspire other children, and often engender a sense of self-confidence among other children,” he said.
The Prime Minister remarked that most of the awardees are from rural and humble backgrounds. He said that perhaps their daily struggles had helped instil resilience in them, to deal courageously in adverse situations.
The Prime Minister congratulated all the award winners, their parents and schoolteachers. He also appreciated those, who recorded their instances of bravery, and helped draw attention to them.
Modi said that after such recognition, future expectations from the awardees become higher than usual. He wished them well in their future endeavours.
Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi, was present on the occasion.
F Lalchhandama (17) from Mizoram and Loukrakpam Rajeshwori Chanu (15) from Manipur have been awarded posthumously.
Betshwajohn Peinlang (14) of Meghalaya has been awarded with the Bapu Gaidhani Award for rescuing his 3-year-old brother from their burning house.
The other recipients are Mansha N, N Shangpon Konyak, Yoaknei and Chingai Wangsa – all from Nagaland, Zonuntluanga from Mizoram, and Maurice Yengkhom (14) and Chongtham Kuber Meitei (12) from Manipur.
The awards are categorized into five sections – Bharat Award, Geeta Chopra Award, Sanjay Chopra Award, Bapu Gaidhani Award, and General National Bravery Awards.
The awards carry a medal, a certificate and a cash prize. Eligible awardees will also be granted financial assistance until they complete their schooling.