The National Bravery Awards were created by the country’s first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Back in 1957, on 2 October, the Prime Minster was watching a performance at Delhi’s Ramlila grounds. A fire, sparked by a short circuit, broke out in one of the shamiana-s. One of the boy scouts, heedless to the danger involved, daringly used his knife to rip apart the tent and saved the people in it. Inspired by this event, the Prime Minister then asked the authorities to honour such brave children from all over the country every year. And, the awards were initiated by the Indian Council of Child Welfare (ICCW) in the same year.
The awards are given to the children by the Prime Minister on the eve of Republic Day. The President and several other dignitaries host receptions for the children, who then participate in the resplendent Republic Day parade on 26 January.