Lalniliana. Age 14. Aizawl, Mizoram National Bravery Award, posthumously Someone who believed in compassion, courage and life Those whom the gods love die young. God certainly loved Lalniliana. The 14 year old from Laipuitlang village in Aizawl district in Mizoram lost his life while saving a younger boy from drowning in a reservoir. Lalniliana, a student of Class 3, was playing with friends when he heard noises nearby. He went to see what was going on and noticed one of the boys, Jonathan Lalniliana, drowning in the reservoir. The selfless Lalniliana immediately jumped into the reservoir. He managed to save Jonathan's life, enabling him to be pulled out of the reservoir by the other children. Lalniliana was waiting for his turn to get out of the reservoir when suddenly, there was a heavy rush of water. Lalniliana made a desperate effort to save himself from its fury. But the brave boy was swept away by the cruel flow. He saved Jonathan, but lost his life. Recognising his selfless sacrifice, the government awarded him a national bravery award posthumously. His father Biakmawia, who repairs shoes and umbrellas for a living, was in Delhi to receive his son's award. His grief comes alive in his tears at the mention of his son whose death he has not reconciled to. Biakmawia took pictures of the other award-winning children at the fun parks they were taken to. Seeing the images of his son in every young face, trying to hold back his tears. What Lalniliana liked, disliked, dreamed about and believed in could not be known. For the man who knew about it most could speak about it least. His grief-struck father, Biakmawia. But Lalniliana's deed told it loud and clear: He was someone who believed in compassion, courage and life. -- Basharat Peer Next: The National Bravery Awards: A ready reckoner Tell us what you think of this feature
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