Child heroes bring laurels even after death

VIJAYAWADA: Two children have been selected to receive the National Bravery Award for 2006 posthumously for saving the lives of their schoolmates during a mishap.

V Teja Sai and CVS Durga Doondeswar were among the 15 school children who drowned in Munneru Rivulet in Krishna District on November 25, 2005.

The duo saved the lives of six schoolmates on the fateful day in the process lost their own.

According to family sources said the two will share the 'Sanjay Chopra Award' along with 22 children who were selected for the national bravery awards.

The children's parents will receive the award from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi on January 24.

Recounting the tragedy, Teja Sai's father Durga Malleswara Rao held the school correspondent responsible for the tragedy and said he should be severely punished.

"My son wanted to be in a top position. He excelled in music, dance, sports and cultural activities," Mr Rao said adding he was proud his son brought laurels even after his death.

Doondeswar's father Dwarakanath said "I committed a mistake by allowing my son to learn swimming. Had he not known swimming, he would have been alive today."