MAHAWA, Punjab: Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has handed over a Rs 1 lakh cheque to National Bravery Awards recipient Karanbir Singh, who rescued 15 children after a bus fell from a bridge here in 2016.
Karanbir was among the 18 children – aged between 6 and 18 – who were awarded this year. He had also apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the condition of bridges here and his desire to see them in good condition.
The state Local Government and Tourism minister gave the cheque to Karanbir, who was 17 years old then, at his residence in Mahawa.
Surprised to see the minister at his house, Karanbir said, “Getting a National award was a moment of pride. Today the minister himself coming to my place is also great.”
“I never thought this would happen and I am thankful for the reward”, the 18-year-old said.
Karanbir also narrated the incident to the minister.
“This boy is a role model and children like him would motivate many. The child had saved precious lives and had shown exemplary courage,” Sidhu said.
“The state is proud, so it was my duty to be here and meet this little champion. I am honored to meet the little hero. He saved many lives and it was my wish to meet him,” he said.
Following the interaction with Karanbir and his family, Sidhu visited the site of the accident and announced Rs 5 lakh for the repair of the bridge.
“Karanbir had desired that the bridge be repaired so I personally came to see the condition,” he said.
Sidhu also announced an additional Rs 5 lakh after villagers informed him that another bridge in the village needed repairs.
To oversee the works, he constituted a committee ‘Karanbir Committee’. -PTI
