Dehradun, November 6
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday honoured six children from the state with the first-ever Chief Minister’s State Bravery Award at a function held at Parade Ground, Dehradun. The awards were presented to children who displayed exceptional courage, bravery and presence of mind in challenging situations. Each awardee received a medal, a citation and a cash prize of ₹51,000, which was transferred directly to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The Department of Women Empowerment and Child Development instituted the Chief Minister’s State Bravery Award for the financial year 2026-27. Six children were selected at the state level from among the applications received. The awardees included three children from Chamoli district and one each from Champawat, Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal.
Divya, Deepika and Aarav Singh from Chamoli were honoured for their courage and quick thinking during a bear attack. On December 22, 2025, at around 9:30 am, a bear entered the premises of GIC UPS Harishankar School in Chamoli and attacked Class VI student Aarav Singh. Aarav bravely struggled to protect himself, while Class VIII student Divya chased the bear and helped rescue him. She also assisted in taking Aarav safely back to the school building. Deepika, meanwhile, immediately guided nine other students to a Class VII room and ensured their safety. The three children demonstrated remarkable courage and presence of mind under difficult circumstances.
Kumari Maya of Champawat was honoured for rescuing a girl trapped in the strong current of a swollen river. On August 5, 2025, following heavy rainfall, the river’s water level rose sharply and a girl was swept away by the current. Risking her own life, Maya rescued the girl and brought her safely to shore. Maya herself sustained injuries during the rescue but successfully saved the child’s life through her bravery and determination.
Kumari Aaradhya of Dehradun was recognised for her courage and alertness during a cloudburst-related emergency. On June 2, 2026, heavy rainfall triggered a sudden influx of water and debris. Sensing the danger, Aaradhya promptly alerted all 17 members present in her house, enabling them to move to safety. She also rescued a three-year-old girl from the fast-flowing water, helping avert a major tragedy through her swift action and presence of mind.
Kumari Shweta of Tehri Garhwal received the award for saving the life of an elderly man. On January 30, 2025, an elderly man walking with the support of a stick was at risk of being hit by a fast-approaching vehicle. Shweta acted immediately, pulled him to the roadside and ensured his safety, thereby saving his life.
The Chief Minister’s State Bravery Award aims to recognise and encourage children who demonstrate extraordinary courage, bravery and presence of mind. The initiative seeks not only to honour such acts but also to inspire other children to show responsibility, compassion and courage in challenging situations.
