Amravati Bureau

 

OFTEN when disasters strike fear is the first emotion one feels. Hats off to those who can push it behind and answer to that call of the moment. All it takes is a strong heart, inherent courage and presence of mind to save the day. But only the most courageous are blessed with these qualities. On a hot May evening, residents of Jai Amba Apartment in Amravati witnessed this courage. All but 17, Kareena Thapa, ran into a flat engulfed in smoke and fire and brought out a cyclinder filled with Liquified Petroleum Gas. If that had exploded their entire apartment with 70 families would have bore the brunt. On May, 15, 2024, at around 6 pm smoke was seen coming out of the second-floor flat in the 'B-Wing' of Jai Amba Apartment next to Poddar

 

International School in Kathora area. Without any hesitation, housekeeper Kareena Thapa broke the lock of the neighbouring flat and entered. She realised that if the fire reached the LPG cyclinder the damage would be severe. Filling bucket full of water, she splashed it to cool place near the cyclinder and brought the LPG cyclinder out of the burning house, thus averting a possible disaster. Kareena faced not just smoke and fire, but ran on hot tiles and suffocating conditions to save her apartment.

 

The braveheart’s story caught the attention of District Women and Child Development Department which sent a proposal for the award to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development through the District Collector’s Office. She has been selected for the very prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. Kareena will be presented the award by President of India in a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 26. December 26 is celebrated as the ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to commemorate the sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. On this day, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar are presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, honouring boys and girls who have left a mark with their bravery and courage. Those who have done exceptionally well in sports, social service, science and technology, environment, art and culture and research will also be feted. The prestigious award, presented by the President, comprises a medal, plaque and a certificate.