Kids awarded for bravery, feats on Children's Day

Children in multicoloured costumes stood in groups at Jawahar Bal Bhavan waiting to showcase their talent on Children's Day.

The day witnessed hundreds of students accompanied by their instructors from various states celebrating their day on Tuesday.

The event, organised by the Department of Women and Child Development and Bal Bhavan Society, was marked by the  distribution of Hoysala and Keladi Chennamma bravery awards to children.

More than 30 children from different parts of the state got awards for showing exceptional courage under dangerous circumstances. The children were given a cash prize of Rs 10,000, a memento, citation and a medal.

Among the children who saved lives of others was Zunera Haram from Bengaluru, who is just seven.

Zunera saved her one-year-old cousin who was gasping for breath after she fell into a drum of water.

"Although she could not lift the one-year-old out of the drum, she tugged at her hands so that her face stayed out of the water," said Mohamed Sabir, Zunera's father.

Advika Shetty from Mangaluru was awarded for her numerous cultural performances across the country.

"I have been doing different forms of dance including Yakshagana. I want to be a choreographer one day," said Advika

Sparsha Trust, an NGO working for the education for children, also won an award.

"We provide education to children who don't have access to schooling. Helping them goes on till they are settled," said Gopinath, managing trustee of the trust.

The Children's Day celebrations were inaugurated by Governor Vajubhai Vala and Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Umashree.

"Allow children to learn and play," said the Governor, and called for their future to be secured.