RAMSEENA R M, 12
She lost a leg but saved her cousin's life. Today, 12-year-old Ramseena walks with the help of an artificial leg. "I cannot run fast or play properly, but no one can stop me from dancing when the music is on," she giggles.
Ramseena, who studies in Class VI in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, plans to become a doctor. She loves reading and playing the violin. She believes she has a responsibility to serve the poor and the needy.
"On April 8 last year," she says, "we were playing on the lawn in front of our house. Suddenly, I saw a car speeding towards us [The car's brakes were not working and the driver lost control of the car]. All of us ran to safety. The car rammed into the boundary wall of the house. It then turned at great speed. My three-year-old sister Rizana was standing in its path. She did not understand what was happening.
"I ran up to her. By then, the car had almost reached us. I dragged Rizana towards myself. If I had not, the car would have hit her. But I fell down and the rear wheels of the car ran over my leg. I remember blood pouring from my leg before I became unconscious. I was taken to the hospital. After three days, I was told one of my legs had been removed. But I didn't feel the pain. I have an artificial leg now and I can walk and dance. My teachers and friends have praised me for what I have done. So I am happy."
Ramseena R M was honoured with the Geeta Chopra award.