Kendrapara, Dec 13 : A minor boy from a far-flung village in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has been selected for the National Bravery Award for exhibiting exemplary courage in saving his paternal uncle from a crocodile attack, officials said Thursday.
Situ Malik (15), a class 10 student in government-run Basudebpur Vidyapitha high school in Kandira village, will receive the coveted award, instituted by Indian Council for Child Welfare, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 23, 2019, the officials said.
Situ had saved his uncle Binod Malik from claws of a croc which had sneaked into the village pond on February 20 this year.
The brave boy reacting on the spur of moment had picked up a bamboo stick and had dealt a blow on animals forehead. The reptile which had clung onto the victim was jolted by the sudden attack and left Binod to slip into the water. Both of them were at the Hanshina river-side crop field when a crocodile leaped from the water and attacked the survivor, they said.
“We feel honoured that the teenager from the district has been selected for national bravery award. The award instituted by ICCW will be given by the prime minister next month. The ICCWs letter in this regard has been received by the district administration,” said Kendrapara Collector, Dasarathi Satpathy.
Its a matter of pride for all the people here as the act of bravery has brought the village under national limelight. The administration had earlier recommended the ‘tiny-rescuer’ for the national bravery award, he said.
“We feel privileged. Our student has been accorded national recognition. He will shake hands with the prime minister,” said Headmaster of Basudebpur Vidyapitha High School, Maheswar Rout.
PTI
