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The PMO’s (Prime Minister Office) first tweet, uploaded recently was: “‘You make all of us proud’ – PM tells young brave hearts at Bravery Award function.”

Think back to your wonder years. Most of us worried about inanities like homework, assignments, games and the latest toys. It was a blissful period when you didn’t have responsibilities. To be young meant being care-free. Bravery meant dressing up in superhero costumes or pulling a prank on the neighbours. But there are some young ones who defy these notions of childhood. The ones who deserve the PM’s comment above.

To be brave requires one to have a burning passion to do the unthinkable. At just 11 years of age, Om Prakash did just that. He literally jumped into a burning van to save several of his friends and children from his school. On September 4, 2010, Om Prakash was going to school with other students in a Maruti van. When the van caught fire due to a short circuit, the driver immediately fled but Om Prakash didn’t. Instead of panicking, he took a bold step and broke open the van door and pulled out the others, caring little about the flames spreading towards his face, back and arms. He saved eight children, winning him the Sanjay Chopra Award.

This isn’t the only account of brave acts by our young citizens. There’s more. When you look at 13 year old Mittal Patadiya’s picture, she hardly comes off as someone who could even hurt a fly, let alone tackle a person more than twice her size. But when disaster struck, the Thakkarbapanagar-resident donned a super hero avatar and fought off 3 assailants who attacked her family. The three robbers stabbed the girl in the neck, causing her 351 stitches.

Today, she is known as ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’ by neighbours and her only regret is that is the fact that one of the assailants managed to escape.

At a tender age, these children took a stand and did things that most adults wouldn’t even dare attempt. Their stories aren’t just mere examples of one off brave acts but a reminder that bringing change is all about getting out of one’s comfort zone. When we go beyond ourselves, our environment changes and then neither age matters nor any kind of excuse. So now bravery is not just about saving someone’s life but to step out from one’s usual way of living to doing things that initiate a wave of change in society. What does bravery mean to you? Perhaps a step towards inspiring others to see things from a different perspective and get them to be the change makers? Start by sharing the amazing stories at www.jaagore.com. It’s your chance to think different.