The Minister for Women and Child Development Smt Maneka Gandhi felicitated the children honoured with this year’s National Bravery Awards in New Delhi today. Congratulating the children and their family members she said that the nation is proud of them for their bravery and that these awards will motivate many more children to become more fearless. Twenty-five children have been given National Bravery Awards this year, including two children who are being honoured posthumously. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presented the awards to these children in a ceremony held in New Delhi yesterday.
The Scheme of National Awards for Bravery (NBA) was started in 1957 by Indian Council for Child Welfare to give due recognition to the children who distinguished themselves by performing outstanding acts of courage and to inspire other children to emulate their example. The awards are presented by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, prior to Republic Day every year. The awardees then participate in the Republic Day Parade. They also receive medal, certificate and cash. The various categories of awards are as under:-
Geeta and Sanjay Chopra Awards instituted in 1978 after two children Geeta and Sanjay Chopra exemplified great courage and lost their lives in the process. The Awardees receive a cash award of Rs. 40,000/-.
Bharat Award instituted in 1987-88. This award is given for an exceptionally outstanding act of courage performed by the child. The Awardees receive a cash award of Rs. 50,000/-.
Bapu Gaidhani Award instituted in 1988-89, to honour Bapu Gaidhani’s act of courage and bravery in an incident where he saved several lives including those of animals from a fire in Nasik. The Awardees receive Rs.30,000/- each.