Physical Bravery Below 15
Nihal Borkar (GOLD)
Nihal Borkar, a resident of Goa saved a young boy from drowning when he himself didn't know swimming. The boy was drowning in the red muddy waters of a laterite quarry which was flooded during the rainy season. Nihal, who was just 15 years old jumped into the water to save the boy’s life. Through his act, Nihal demonstrated his courage and also the value he placed on someone’s life. “I did not think twice before jumping because someone’s life is very precious” says Nihal while recalling the incident.
Manish Bansal (SILVER)
Manish Bansal from Jind saved the lives of his family members from a group of 4 armed robbers who attacked his house on Feb. 10, 2008. Manish bravely faced the robbers to save the lives of his family and sustained serious injuries while doing so. With the help of his brother and father, Manish then managed to capture two of the robbers who were later handed over to the police.
Physical Bravery Above 15
Mohammed Abdul Irfan (GOLD)
18th May 2007 is etched in the memory of Hyderabad, as a black day when innocent people who had assembled for prayers at the Mecca Masjid. After the first blast which took nine lives, Mohammed Abdul Irfan spotted a second bomb placed in the premises. He picked up the tiffin box containing the explosives and ran a distance of 120 metres to place it away from the people thereby averting a major mishap. The bomb disposal squad which was ready at the spot defused the bomb. On being asked if it crossed his mind that the bomb could have exploded in his hands, Irfan said "It was more important to save the lives of so many innocents even if it meant sacrificing my own life."
Mrs. Laxmi Biswas (SILVER)
Her mental strength and presence of mind not only saved her husband's life but also helped the police nab the culprits. Mrs. Laxmi Biswas, a 65 year old resident of Thane's Valley Towers was cooking when two armed robbers broke in and tied her up as they began looting the house. They even threatened to kill her husband but Mrs. Biswas hit one of the robbers on his head with a jewelry box and raised an alarm. "They must have thought that I am a poor old woman and wouldn't retaliate" said the brave lady who has set an example for every citizen.
Social Bravery Above 15
Rajendra Diwe (GOLD)
Rajendra Diwe, a courageous investigative journalist has taken up the cudgels against exploitation of poor patients in the name of medicines by multinational pharmaceutical companies. He has published over 3600 articles exposing the corruption in the pharmaceutical sector which has brought him laurels as well as death threats. Unfazed by these threats, Rajendra Diwe continues his struggle to create awareness among people about important issues such as health and bring justice to the poor patients.
Shahnaz Ahmed (SILVER)
Shahnaz Ahmed has been involved with causes like blood donation, eye donation, education, pulse polio drives, human rights and such social issues for over 22 years. He has been at the forefront of campaigns to bring social awareness about various causes including blood donation, pulse polio drives. His efforts to make the world a better place to live in and sensitize the society about the importance of doing so is indeed laudable.
Social Bravery Below 15
Sanjana Menon (GOLD)
At the tender age of 12, when most children are worried about playing or homework, Sanjana Menon from Bangalore has thought about the environment and our future. Sanjana, along with her sister, and friends wrote pamphlets carrying messages on Global Warming and distributed these to every house in the area. Sanjana, alongwith her group spread awareness about the disastrous consequences of global warming and the need to save electricity and to avoid the use of plastic. It is very heartening to see the younger generation realize the importance of saving our environment and take concrete steps in that direction.
