CIVILIAN ‘JEEVAN RAKSHA PADAK AWARD’ PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD

Aizawl, Dec 2025: Recently, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, the civilian bravery award ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak Award 2025’ was presented to Mr. Laltlanzova of Tlangsam, Champhai District in a felicitation and award ceremony held at the Home Minister’s office chamber, MINECO. Home Minister Mr. K. Sapdanga presented the award, along with the citation and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000/-.

Home Minister Mr. K. Sapdanga stated that “ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things,” adding that in the past, acts of courage by civilians during accidents and emergencies have inspired people. He said that now, in India, civilians have the opportunity to be recognized for saving lives, and such awards aim to encourage others to act with bravery and selflessness in emergencies. The minister further emphasized that the recognition serves as a motivation for society to cultivate a new generation trained to act bravely in life-threatening situations.

During the ceremony, Champhai Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mohammad Aaquib also spoke, praising Mr. Laltlanzova for his exemplary actions and stating that this recognition highlights bravery among civilians in Mizoram. Mr. V. Lalduhzuala, Joint Secretary (NP), Home Department, and Ms. Lalnunmawia Chhangte, Under Secretary, Home Department, coordinated the award presentation, while Mr. F. Zodinpuia, Superintendent, Home Department, delivered the felicitation speech.

The Jeevan Raksha Padak Award is given to civilians who perform acts of courage to save human life. Mr. Laltlanzova, on 7th September 2024, rescued a person from drowning in the Dilmawiah area of Dulte, Khawzawl District. The incident involved about 50 feet of water, and the rescued person was at risk of drowning. For this extraordinary act, Mr. Laltlanzova was selected for the Jeevan Raksha Padak Award 2025, which was presented on 2nd December 2025.

About the Jeevan Raksha Padak Award:

1. It is awarded to civilians in India for acts of courage in saving human life, including exceptional bravery by young people.
2. Instituted on 30th September 1961 by the Government of India.
3. Acts may include rescues from drowning, electrocution, fire, accidents, or life-threatening situations.
4. There are three categories:
   • Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak: For acts of extreme danger (highest category).
   • Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak: For acts of great danger (middle category).
   • Jeevan Raksha Padak: For acts involving grave bodily injury to the rescuer (basic category).
5. Recipients can be civilians, armed forces, police, or fire service personnel, irrespective of rank.
6. Nominations are called by States/UTs and various Ministries/Departments of Government of India. The Award Committee reviews actions from the past two calendar years and recommends recipients to the President of India.
7. The award includes a medal, citation signed by the Union Home Minister, and cash prize:
   • Sarvottam: ₹2,00,000
   • Uttam: ₹1,50,000
   • Jeevan: ₹1,00,000

Additionally, awardees are entitled to travel concessions by rail and airfare as announced by the Government.

It was also noted that Mr. Laltlanzova’s act of courage has inspired youth, and educational programs will further train students in life-saving skills to increase civilian preparedness.