New Delhi: Three girls from Odisha are among the 22 children who will receive the ICCW (Indian Council for Child Welfare) National Bravery Awards 2019 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the eve of Republic Day this year.
Purnima Giri 16, Sabita Giri 15, from Kendrapara district will be given the ICCW Dhruva Award For saving 12 persons from drowning in a river when a boat sank in water infested with crocodiles. Srimati Badra 10, will be given the ICCW Prahalada Award for helping her friend who lost her right leg in a train accident.
On January 2, 2019, a picnic party of 52 people was on its way back from Hukitolato Kuiang in Kendrapara district on a boat. The boat started sinking near Nipania village. Upon hearing the screams for help, Purnima and Sabita from the village by the riverside, came out of their house and jumped into the 14 to 16 feet deep water, managing to rescue 12 people from drowning.
On November 27, 2018, Srimati Badra along with Pramila Munda were crossing the railway track to return to their basti, when a stationary goods train suddenly started moving. Srimati managed to cross the track but Pramila fell down. Her right leg got stuck in the track. Srimati not only pulled her friend out but carried her on her shoulders for 300 metres up to her residence. The child was rushed to the nearby hospital from where she was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Pramila was operated upon and her leg below the knee was amputated.
Pramila’s life could be saved due to Srimati’s timely and courageous action.
A total of 22 children (10 girls and 12 boys) from 12 states have been selected for Bravery Awards-2019. The awardees will be provided financial assistance until they complete their schooling through donations from philanthropists. In addition, ICCW also grants financial assistance under its sponsorship scheme to those undertaking profession courses such as engineering and medicine.
