The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee met children selected for the National Bravery Awards 2012 at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 22, 2013).
Of the twenty-two gallant children who have been selected for the awards four are girls.
The scheme of National Awards for Bravery was started by Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) to give due recognition to children who distinguish themselves by performing outstanding deeds of bravery and meritorious service and to inspire other children to emulate their example. The selection is made by a high-powered committee constituted by ICCW.
The Awardees are invited to Delhi where the Prime Minister of India presents the awards on the eve of Republic Day. The children then take part in the Republic Day Parade.
The Awardees receive a medal, certificate and cash. Eligible awardees are granted financial assistance until they complete their schooling. In addition, ICCW provides financial assistance under its Indira Gandhi Scholarship Scheme to those undertaking professional courses such as engineering and medicine. For the others, this assistance is providing till they complete their graduation. Since the inception of the scheme in 1957, the ICCW has given awards to 846 brave children out of which 602 are boys and 244 are girls.
This release issued at 1840 hrs.