National Bravery Awards 2017: Kids who fought back

When Laxmi Yadav, a resident of Raipur, left her home on August 2, 2016, she had never thought that her life would change by the end of the day. The 16-year-old was abducted by three miscreants, who drove her to an isolated place and tried to sexually assault her. However, with her undaunted courage and spirit, Yadav not only managed to escape the assault, but sent those offenders behind the bars. She is among the eighteen children, aged between 6 to 18, who will receive the National Bravery Award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 24 for showing extraordinary bravery. Three of them will get the award posthumously. 

Nazia (18), Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Eighteen-year-old Nazia, who helped the local police to put an end to the decades-long illegal business of gambling and betting in her area, will be given the most coveted Bharat Award. She courageously collected evidence against the miscreants, who were harassing and terrorising the shopkeepers in Sadar Bhatti area of Agra, and passed them to the police on July 13, 2016. As a result, four people were arrested and a gang of illegal gamblers was busted. Since then, Nazia is known as the“Naaz”(pride) of her locality. 

However, new problems began to arise from there.“It had become impossible for me to step out of the house as I was getting life threats. The miscreants even followed me once and beat me and one of my family members,” she said. But, the brave Nazia did not give up her fight and raised the matter with the authorities, who were not of much help. She finally took to social networking site Twitter and urged the then Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for help. Following which she was provided with police protection. The first year BA student wants to become an IAS officer.“I want to be an example for girls who come from a humble background like me. I want to encourage them to dream high,” she said.

Mamata Dalai (6-year-old), Odisha

Six-and-a-half-year-old Mamata Dalai, a resident of Odisha’s Kendrapara district, is the youngest to get the bravery award this year. On April 6, 2017, she along with her friend had gone to a nearby pond to take bath, when a crocodile emerged out of the water and started dragging the latter. With her immense presence of mind, Dalai caught hold of her friend’s hand and started pulling her back. As a result of her strong defence, the crocodile lost its grip on the other girl and slipped back into the water. On being asked how she feels to be nominated for the award, the little one says,“I am so excited that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give me the award.”

F Lalchhandama (18), Mizoram

On May 7, 2017, Lalchhandama and his classmates had gone to visit the river Tlawng, tucked away from the city. While they were getting ready to return, one of his friends lost his balance and fell headlong into the river. The 18-year-old instantly jumped into the river to help his friend. But, as soon as Lalchhandama reached to her friend, the latter caught hold of his neck that made him unable to breathe and swim. As a result, both of them drowned and lost their lives. When the body of the brave-heart, who wanted to become a cardiologist, was found, his arms were found to be wrapped around his friend’s body. For being fearless in meeting danger and sacrificing his life to save his friend, Lalchhandama will be awarded posthumously.“I am so happy and proud to have a son like him,” says his father, Lalmalsawma, who works in the state agricultural department in Mizoram. He was also carrying a picture of his son.

Laxmi Yadav (16) Raipur, Chattisgarh

On August 2, 2016, Yadav and her friend had parked their bike near Ganesh Nagar Marg in Raipur and were having a conversation, when three bike-borne miscreants suddenly appeared in front of them. They attacked them and snatched the key of their vehicle. They forcefully dragged Yadav on the bike and drove her to an isolated location where they tried to sexually assault her.“I lost my mind for some time. But then I thought that if I would not help myself, who else will,” she said. She gathered her lost courage and fought back.“I managed to take out the bike’s key and threw it away. It distracted them. I pushed them away and fled from there,” added Yadav. She ran to a nearby police station and informed the cops about the incident. 

Later, the trio was arrested by the police and one of them was found to be a history-sheeter. At the time of the incident, Yadav was suffering from Tuberculosis (TB).“It was really difficult for me to run at that time,” she recalls. On being asked about her aspirations, she says,“I want to become a police officer to ensure women safety in my country.”