12-year-old boy awarded with JRP Award for saving two children from drowning

SHILLONG, NOV 5: East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner, Isawanda Laloo presented the Jeevan Raksha Padak Award, 2019 to 12-year-old Everbloom K Nongrum for his act of bravery in saving two children from drowning at Mawryngkneng village, last year.

The Award is given by the President of India through the Ministry of Home Affairs for persons exhibiting meritorious acts of human nature in saving the lives in cases like drowning in water, accidents, fire incidents, electrocution, natural calamities, rescue operation in mines etc.

The award comprises of a medallion, a small-size replica of the main medal, a certificate signed by the Union Home Minister and a cheque of Rs.1,00,000 was handed over to the brave young boy who had displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind in saving the lives of not one, but two of his friends on Wednesday.

It may be mentioned that Everbloom, a student of class VI at Mawryngkneng Higher Secondary School, saved the lives of these children in two separate incidents.

On July 17, last year, one Davin Sohtun (9), who was studying in class III at Radiant Adventist Secondary, fell into the hole of depth 3 meter and width 4×4 meter filled with water as it was left uncovered for nearly six months without fencing, while playing at a construction site.

When his friends screamed for help, Everbloom ran to the site of the incident and jumped into the hole to save the life of the boy by pulling from his hair and saved the boy from drowning.

On July 23, Sohtun’s classmate Wanphai Rani (8) also slipped while playing and suddenly fell into the same hole and Everbloom who was there with him jumped into the hole and brought him out to save the life of his friend.

Also present on the day of the felicitation were the parents of Everbloom and the Sordar of Mawryngkneng.

The Deputy Commissioner thanked Everbloom K Nongrum for his incredible act of bravery at such a young age and expressed her wish that he will continue to be a beacon of hope and promise to others around him.

It may be mentioned that soon after the incident, the holes posing a risk to the residents were immediately covered up by the concerned authority.

By Our Reporter