Three girls from Odisha among 22 children would receive the ICCW National Bravery Awards 2019 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the eve of Republic Day this year.
While Purnima Giri (16) and Sabita Giri (15) of Kendrapada district would get the ICCW Dhruvi ward for their heroic act of saving 12 persons from drowning in a river full of crocodiles on January 2, 2019, Srimati Badra (10) of Angul district has been chosen for the ICCW Prahalada Award for helping a friend who lost her right leg in a train accident.
Soon after a picnic boat carrying 52 persons sank in a river in Nipania village on January 2, Purnima and Sabita dived into the river and saved as many as 12 persons from drowning. As many as 11 picnickers had died in the incident.
On November 27, 2018, Srimati along with Pramila Munda were crossing a railway track when a stationary goods train suddenly started moving. Thoug Srimati successfully crossed the track, Pramila fell down and lost her right leg. Srimati pulled Pramila forcefully out of the track and carried her on her shoulder for 300 metres up to her residence. Thereby she could be saved.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conveyed his greetings to Sabita and Purnima for being chosen for the National Bravery Award.
Patnaik also announced that a cyclone shelter would be constructed at the high school where the two are currently studying. He sanctioned Rs 1.20 crore for the purpose.
The two girls would lay foundation-stone for the building, added an official release.