AP kids bring laurels even after death

Vijayawada, Jan 19: Two children, who saved the lives of six schoolmates and in the process lost their own, have been selected to receive the National Bravery Award for 2006.

V Teja Sai and C V S Durga Doondeswar were among the 15 school children who drowned in Munneru Rivulet in Krishna District on November 25, 2005.

According to family sources, the two will share the 'Sanjay Chopra Award' along with 22 children who were selected for the National bravery Awards.

The children's parents will receive the award from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi on January 24.

Teja Sai's father Durga Malleswara Rao held the school correspondent responsible for the tragedy and said he should be severely punished.

''My son wanted to be in a top position. He excelled in music, dance, sports and cultural activities,'' Mr Rao said adding he was proud his son, who brought laurels even after his death.

Doondeswar's father Dwarakanath said ''I committed a mistake by allowing my son to learn swimming. Had he not learned swimming, he would have been alive today.''

UNI