Every year, the Government of India recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary acts of bravery displayed by children across the country. These young heroes are honored with the prestigious National Bravery Awards, which highlight their courage and selflessness.

The Origin of National Bravery Awards

The concept of honoring brave children in India was first introduced in 1957 by the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW). The ICCW felt the need to acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional bravery exhibited by children who risked their lives to save others or faced adversity with remarkable courage.

Recognizing Acts of Valor

The National Bravery Awards are bestowed upon deserving children who have shown exemplary bravery in different situations. These acts can range from rescuing people from drowning, saving lives during natural disasters, confronting dangerous animals, preventing accidents, or even standing up against social injustice.

Types of National Bravery Awards

The awards are categorized into five different types:

1. Bharat Award: This is considered as the highest recognition among all National Bravery Awards. It is presented to a maximum of three children who have performed outstanding acts of bravery.
2. Geeta Chopra Award and Sanjay Chopra Award: Named after two brave siblings who sacrificed their lives while protecting their younger brother from kidnappers, these awards honor exceptional acts of bravery by girls and boys respectively.
3. Bapu Gaidhani Award: This award is given posthumously to a child who has exhibited exemplary courage and lost his/her life in doing so.
4. Kirti Chakra: This award recognizes acts of bravery by children between 6-16 years old.
5. Jeevan Raksha Padak Series: Divided into three categories - Gold, Silver, and Bronze - these awards acknowledge acts of bravery where individuals risked their lives to save others.

The Selection Process

The selection process for the National Bravery Awards is rigorous and impartial. Nominations are invited from various sources, including government departments, schools, NGOs, and individuals. A high-level committee reviews the nominations and selects the deserving candidates based on their exceptional acts of bravery.

Celebrating Young Heroes

The National Bravery Awards ceremony takes place on Republic Day (26th January) each year. The awardees are invited to New Delhi, where they receive their awards from the Prime Minister of India. The event is attended by dignitaries, media personnel, and proud family members who gather to celebrate these young heroes' remarkable achievements.

Inspiring Others

The National Bravery Awards not only honor the courageous acts of children but also serve as an inspiration for others. These stories of bravery motivate individuals across the country to be fearless in the face of adversity and encourage them to contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the National Bravery Awards in India have a rich history of recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary courage displayed by children. These awards not only acknowledge their bravery but also inspire others to be brave in difficult times. # The Impact of National Bravery Awards

The National Bravery Awards have had a significant impact on the lives of the awardees and society as a whole. Here are some notable impacts of these awards:

Recognition and Encouragement

Receiving the National Bravery Award is a moment of immense pride and recognition for the young heroes. It acknowledges their bravery and selflessness, boosting their confidence and motivating them to continue making positive contributions to society. The awards serve as a powerful encouragement for children to be courageous and compassionate.

Spreading Awareness

The stories of bravery showcased through the National Bravery Awards gain widespread media coverage, helping raise awareness about the exceptional acts performed by children in India. These stories inspire others to take action in similar situations, promoting a culture of bravery and compassion.

Inspiring Change

The National Bravery Awards not only honor individual acts of courage but also highlight social issues that need attention. Many awardees have used their platform to advocate for causes important to them, such as child rights, safety, education, and environmental conservation. Their voices have helped bring about positive change in society.

Role Models for Peers

The awardees become role models for other children across the country. Their stories inspire young minds to believe in themselves, face challenges head-on, and stand up for what is right. The National Bravery Award recipients serve as shining examples that age is not a barrier to making a difference.

Increased Support Systems

The recognition received through the National Bravery Awards often leads to increased support systems for the awardees. Government agencies, NGOs, and individuals come forward to provide financial assistance for their education, healthcare needs, or personal development. This support ensures that these brave children have access to opportunities that help them thrive.

International Recognition

The National Bravery Awards have gained international acclaim over the years. The courageous acts performed by Indian children have been recognized globally, further enhancing the reputation of the awardees and shining a positive light on India as a whole.

What is the history of National Bravery Awards awarded to children in India?

The National Bravery Awards, now known as Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, are prestigious awards given to children in India who have shown exceptional courage and bravery. These awards were established to recognize and honor the extraordinary acts of bravery displayed by children in various life-threatening situations.

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

In 2018, a significant change was made to these awards. The Government of India renamed them as "Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar" (Prime Minister's National Children Awards). This renaming aimed to give greater recognition and visibility to these brave children at a national level.

Selection Process

Every year, the ICCW invites nominations from all over India for these awards. The nominations are evaluated by a high-level committee comprising experts from various fields like child development, psychology, education, etc. The committee thoroughly reviews each case and selects deserving candidates based on their exceptional acts of bravery.

Categories of Awards

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is awarded in various categories, including:

1. Bravery
2. Innovation
3. Social Service
4. Art and Culture
5. Sports
6. Scholastic Achievements

Each category recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of children in their respective fields.

Impact and Inspiration

The National Bravery Awards, now known as Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, have not only recognized the bravery of exceptional children but also inspired countless others to be courageous in the face of adversity. These awards serve as a platform to showcase the incredible potential and resilience of young minds.

In conclusion, the history of National Bravery Awards in India is a testament to the valor and fearlessness displayed by children in challenging situations. The renaming of these awards as Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar reflects the government's commitment to honoring and encouraging bravery among young individuals across various domains.

Conclusion

The National Bravery Awards have become an integral part of India's cultural fabric, celebrating the remarkable courage displayed by children. These awards not only honor individual acts of bravery but also inspire others to be fearless and compassionate. The impact of these awards goes beyond recognition, creating a ripple effect that spreads positivity and encourages society to stand up for what is right.