Goan teenager, NGO bag Godfrey Phillips India awards

Panaji, Jun 25 (UNI) It was a proud movement for 15-year-old Nihal Ramakant Borkar today, when he received a special award in the category of ''physical acts of bravery'' instituted by the Godfrey Phillips India.

Nihal was chosen for the award, for saving the life of a 12-year-old boy Rajat from being drowned in a muddy pool at Sanqualim mines, inspite of him not knowing swimming, on June 24 last year.

Speaking to mediapersons, Nihal said, ''This recognition has encouraged me to do my best for the society, especially the needy.'' When Rajat fell into the pool, showing his presence of mind, Nihal jumped into the 5-metre deep pool, pulled him out from the bottom and resusciated him to life on the shore.

He was given Rs 11,000, besides a scroll and a bronze, in recognition of his bravery by Mr Goolam B Vahanvati, solicitor general of India, at a function in Mumbai recently.

Visarga Nature Club, Mapusa, also received Bronze Award, under the ''social act of courage category'', as it was committed to protecting environment and help spread green cover in Goa since its inception in 1992.

The club was presented with Rs 30,000 along with a scroll and a bronze.

While Nihal from Goa got the bronze, persons from Maharashtra and Chattisgarh received the silver and gold awards respectively, on the occasion.

The awards were instituted as part of the social responsibility initiative by Godfrey Phillips India, with a vision to build a more ''compassionate and selfless society''.

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