Twenty little heroes selected for this year's bravery awards today rode out in open military jeeps across the famed Rajpath acknowledging the cheers and adulations showered on them by the crowd on Republic Day.
The bravehearts chosen for displaying exemplary courage in the face of grave danger, were ecstatic to be part of the grand occasion, and they waved and gestured to the cheering crowd, endearing themselves to the spectators instantly.
Twenty-four children were selected for this year's bravery awards, four of them posthumously.
Among them was 16-year-old Reshma Fatma of Uttar Pradesh, winner of the coveted Bharat Award. She survived an acid attack after she had refused a marriage proposal from her uncle.
Another awardee 13-year-old Aswini Bandu Ughade of Maharashtra's Akola had to fight a leopard to save the life of her sister after the animal attacked her when they went out to relieve themselves.
The young awardees were dressed in red blazers and rode the ceremonial vehicles. The parade for them became even more special as Barack Obama attended the event as Chief Guest, a first for any American president.
The National Bravery Award Scheme was initiated by the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) to give due recognition to the children who distinguish themselves by performing outstanding deeds of bravery and meritorious service.
Since inception of the scheme in 1957, the ICCW has given the awards, which carries a citation and cash, to 895 children - 634 boys and 261 girls.
Bharat Award is the highest of the National Bravery Awards.
