Sandesh receives Bravery Award

Sandesh (18) is an Indian boy who has a hearing impairment. With the help of the Liliane Foundation he has been able to go to a specialised school for the past several years. And recently, he has become an official hero. The Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, has presented Sandesh with the National Bravery Award 2011. Sandesh received this prestigious award for saving the life of Rashmi, a ten year old girl.

Immediate action
To celebrate the hinduistic ritual of Pooja, Sandesh and his family had gathered together. The boy enjoyed the company of all his cousins. They played together and went swimming in the river. When they finished swimming and were putting on their clothes, they noticed that the young Rashmi was missing. Sandesh could not hear the cries of Rashmi and the other children, because of his hearing impairment. When one of the boys threw a stone in the water in front of him and pointed towards the girl, Sandesh realised what was going on. He immediately jumped into the water and brought Rashmi to the shore. He pumped the water out of her lungs. Then he gave her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Extraordinary act of bravery
It is an exceptional accomplishment for Sandesh to receive the National Bravery Award. The award is given annually to only fourteen children. The Liliane Foundation is proud that Sandesh has received this important award.