Alappuzha: A 13-year-old boy who risked his life to save a schoolmate who had fallen on to a rail track has been chosen for the President's national award for bravery.
The winner, Sebastian Vincent (Neeraj), is a Class 7 student at the Leo 13th Higher Secondary School in Alappuzha.
His friend Abhijith fell off to the railway track on July 19 last year as he was riding on a bicycle to the school. Abhijith was not able to get up even as the train was closing in. Within no time, Sebastian made a daring move and rescued him.
On hearing the news of the award, an elated yet shy Sebastian said he was only concerned about saving his friend, and had never thought of the award.
Sebastian, who will reach Delhi on January 18, 2018, as a state guest, will participate in the Republic Day parade and receive the award from prime minister Narendra Modi.
The state will now bear all expenses for Sebastian's further education. The Council for Child Welfare said he is the only nominee for the award from Kerala this year.
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