Karina Thapa, a 17-year-old girl from Siliguri, has been awarded the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for exceptional bravery, after she saved the lives of 36 residents during a massive apartment fire.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when an electrical short circuit triggered a fire in a three-storey residential building. Most of the residents were asleep, unaware of the growing danger. Karina, who lives on the ground floor, was the first to notice the smoke and flames.
Without hesitation, she sprang into action—alerting families, helping elderly neighbors evacuate, carrying small children to safety, and guiding panicked residents through a narrow rear exit. Her fearless response and clear-headed thinking under pressure ensured that not a single life was lost.
“I didn’t think about myself. I just wanted everyone to get out safely,” Karina said, reflecting on the harrowing experience.
Karina’s bravery has earned her not just local admiration but national recognition, with the Government of India honoring her with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in the Bravery category. The award was presented by the President of India, and she received a special mention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed her as an “inspiration to every Indian.”
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian award for children under the age of 18, recognizing outstanding achievements in bravery, innovation, social service, sports, art, and academics.
Karina’s courage and selflessness have inspired countless people across the country, proving once again that age is no barrier to heroism. At just 17, she is not only a lifesaver but a role model for a generation.
