In a powerful testament to courage and selflessness, 15-year-old Kisen Wanniang from Meghalaya has been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for exceptional bravery, after he heroically saved four young children from drowning.
The incident occurred earlier this year near a river where local children were playing. As the water current suddenly intensified, four of them were swept away. Without wasting a second, Kisen jumped into the fast-moving river, battling strong currents to pull each child back to shore—one after the other.
Despite his age and the danger involved, Kisen’s quick thinking and fearless action ensured that all four children survived the terrifying ordeal.
“I just knew they needed help. I didn’t think of anything else,” Kisen said humbly after the incident.
Kisen’s act of valor earned widespread admiration from his community and eventually caught national attention. This week, the President of India presented him with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar at a special ceremony in New Delhi. He was also personally congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised his courage and called him “a real-life hero.”
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honor for children under 18. It is awarded for excellence in fields such as bravery, innovation, social service, sports, arts & culture, and academics. Kisen received the award in the Bravery category.
Kisen Wanniang’s fearless response in a life-threatening situation has inspired countless people across the country. His story stands as a shining example of youthful courage, compassion, and the ability to act selflessly under pressure.
At just 15, Kisen has proven that heroes can come in any size—and sometimes, they wear school uniforms instead of capes.
