Lunglei Deputy Commissioner Pi K. Lalrinzuali today presented the ‘JEEVAN RAKSHA PADHAK AWARD 2018’ and ‘DR AMBEDKAR NATIONAL MERIT AWARD’ to two awardees each from Lunglei District. The award ceremony was held at the Lunglei DC Conference Hall.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Pi K. Lalrinzuali stated that having National Level awardees in the field of academics and bravery was indeed a proud moment for the entire people of Lunglei District. Congratulating the 2 bravehearts and 2 meritorious students, the Deputy Commissioner expressed hope that their stories of selfless sacrifice, courage and hard work would serve as an inspiration for the people of Lunglei, especially the youth.

Jeevan Raksha Padak is announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India every year. It is bestowed for acts of bravery which involves saving lives in incidents such as drowning, accident cases, fire incidents among others.  The awards are divided into three categories — Sarvottam, Uttam and Jeevan Raksha Padak.  

The President of India had earlier this year approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2018 on 48 persons which includes Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 8, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 15 and Jeevan Raksha Padak to 25 persons. 8 awards are posthumous. Of the 48 awardees, 8 are from Mizoram - Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak - P. Lalvenpuia (Posthumous), T. Lalrinawma (Posthumous); Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak - Lalliansanga, Vanlalduhawma, H. Beiduasa; Jeevan Raksha Padak - Vanlalvenhima Chhangte, Darchungnunga and Lalthasangzuali.

The awardees from Lunglei District are:

1.     P. Lalvenpuia (L) s/o Lalbiakengi, Lungsen Hmar Veng. On December 16, 2017, P. Lalvenpuia (23) and his friends had gone on a picnic to Matisora (Belpei/De Lui) River. P.Lalvenpuia died while saving the lives of his two friends Lalmuanzuala (Muantea) and B. Malsawmtluanga from drowning. For his selfless sacrifice and exemplary courage, P.Lalvenpuia was posthumously awarded the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak. His mother Lalbiakengi received the award on his behalf.

2.     Vanlalvenhima Chhangte 56 Bn BSF S/o Ramthanzauva Chhangte Zotlang Lunglei. On 16th April, 2018, a huge fire broke out at the residence of Mr C. Lalrammawia, Zotlang, Lunglei. Mr C. Lalrammawia’s wife Mrs Malsawmi, a differently abled person was trapped in the inferno. Upon hearing the commotion and cries for help, Vanlalvenhima Chhangte came running, smashed the windows and walls of the house with a big hammer and ran in through the blazing fire and saved Mrs Malsawmi. Due to his bravery and selfless act, Vanlalvenhima Chhangte was awarded the Jeevan Raksha Padak. He came to receive the Award accompanied by his parents and relatives.

The two students who received the “Dr AMBEDKAR NATIONAL MERIT AWARD” are as below:

1.     Vanlalvenpuia S/o Vanlalzawnga, Ramthar, Lunglei. 3rd Rank in the state in the Matric Exam 2017 Mizoram (Holy Faith School, Lunglei)

2.     Vanlalliani Pachuau D/o L.Lalhmingmawia Pachuau, Bazar Veng, Lunglei. 6th Rank in the State in the Matric Exam 2017 (Holy Faith School, Lunglei)