Highlighting some of the most intricate issues with the country, the National Bravery Awards on Saturday bestowed honours upon those who not only fought their way out of a problem but also helped bring to light the loopholes in the country when it comes to the basic safety of people.
The coveted Bharat Award was given to 16-year-old Reshma Fatma from Uttar Pradesh who was thrown acid at after she refused a marriage proposal. She survived the attack and stands much stronger today. Subsequently, 13-year-old Aswini Bandu Ughade from Maharashtra’s Akola fought a leopard to save the life of her sister after the animal attacked her when they went out to answer the nature’s call.
“On February 1 last year, I was on my way to a coaching class when my maternal uncle, 22 years older than me, accosted me with a marriage proposal. When I refused, he started pouring acid on my head. What if the acid was not so easily made available to him,” said Fatma.
Aswini on the other hand had to literally go through a daredevil stunt just to go to the toilet in peace. “As usual I had to go out to defecate in the nearby forest accompanying my younger sister when a leopard suddenly attacked my sister. I hit the leopard’s head with mangoes and pulled her out of the animal’s jaws following which it fled,” said Aswini.
Apart from Aswini and Reshma, 18 other children from various parts of the country were given awards. They all will be participating in the Republic Day Parade. However, four have been given the award posthumously.