The National Bravery Awards are an annual tradition by the Indian Council of Child Welfare.
When her two friends were about to drown in a river, 8-year-old Tarh Peeju from Arunachal Pradesh displayed exemplary courage, sacrificing her own life to save theirs. Today, she is no more but her parents stand tall with pride at her daughter's short but significant life.
"Even if she isn't here with us, being her father I am very proud that she saved the lives of two and then left the world. It is because of her two other kids are alive," Tarh Peeju's father said.
Tarh Peeju is among 25 girls and boys from across the country with stories of courage and kindness. Their actions are being awarded with National Bravery Awards by the Indian Council of Child Welfare.
Also among the awardees this year are 17-year-old Tejasweeta Pradhan and 16-year-old Shivani Gond from West Bengal who helped uncover an international sex racket. Both the girls said they were scared as the operation to bust the racket lasted for a few months.
Twelve-year-old Payal Devi's father couldn't fight back his tears as he walked up the stairs. Payal has been posthumously awarded for trying to save the lives of two friends from drowning in the flash floods in Jammu, but all three died.
The National Bravery Awards are an annual tradition by the Indian Council of Child Welfare which is now in its 60th year.
Geeta Siddhartha, President of Indian Council for Child Welfare said they've felicitated 945 kids till now.
"Their education is sponsored till high school, and if even after they want to go for professional courses we have a fund which provides them financial aid," Geeta said.