The awards were first introduced in 1957
The National Awards to Children for bravery scheme was started 59 years ago in the year 1957 when two children, a boy and a girl were first rewarded for their exemplary presence of mind and courage. Since then, the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) has been giving the National Awards for Bravery every year to children from various parts of the country.
The main objective of the awards is to give due recognition to children who perform acts of bravery and inspire other children to follow their example. The deed should be “an act of spontaneous selfless service in the face of risk to life or threat of physical injury and or an act of courage and daring against a social evil/crime”.
Awards given in 5 different categories
The national bravery awards to children are given in 5 different categories.
• Bharat Award: Instituted in 1987 and awarded to exceptionally outstanding gallantry deed.
• Geeta Chopra Award: Instituted in 1978 and given to a girl.
• Sanjay Chopra Award: Instituted in 1978 and given to a boy.
• Bapu Gaidhani Awards (three): Instituted in 1988 and given to 3 children
• General Awards: Instituted in 1957
Selection Committee
The selection is made by a high powered Committee constituted by ICCW comprising representatives from Secretariats of the President of India, Vice-President of India, Ministries of Human Resource Development, Women & Child Development, Youth Affairs & Sports, Social Justice & Empowerment, Health & Family Welfare, Railways, Defence, Home Affairs, Labour, Rural Development, Information & Broadcasting, AIR, Doordarshan, Police, some NGOs, Office-Bearers and members of the Council.
What do the awardees receive?
The Awardees receive a medal, a certificate and cash award. The Awardees also receive various gifts from philanthropic organizations. The children will receive their Awards from the Prime Minister every year prior to Republic Day and thereafter participate in the Republic Day parade.
The President and several other dignitaries host receptions in their honour. Several States organize functions to honour them at the State level.
What other benefits do the awardees get?
The awardees also get the following benefits
• Eligible awardees will be granted financial assistance until they complete their schooling.
• Some State Governments also provide financial assistance to the awardees.
• 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 provided till they complete their graduation. The Government of India has reserved some seats for the awardees in medical and engineering colleges and polytechnics.
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