Kendrapara in Odisha is very hot in April. Mamta Dalai who is six years old lives in Kendrapara with her parents and elder sister, Asanti.

This morning, Mamta sits inside their hut. Her sister and she are writing their school homework on slates.

‘Asanti and Mamta,’ calls their mother, ‘Go to the pond for your bath. You have to get ready for school.’

So Mamta and Asanti, taking towels, walk down to the village pond. It is always full of water because a small river fills it. Both girls step in the pond, laughing The water is cool on their hot skins. They swim into the middle of the pond splashing each other.

The girls are busy playing. They do not see a crocodile coming. It is a wicked crocodile who has come from the river. Silently, it comes near Asanti. Its head dips under the water and it mouth opens. Rows of sharp teeth clamp on Asanti’s right leg. The little girl screams.

Mamta sees the crocodile lift Asanti out of the water. Its jaws are holding her leg. Mamta’s heart leaps into her mouth. She is afraid but she loves her sister. ‘I must save her,’ she thinks.

She grabs her sister’s right arm and pulls. But Mamta is not as strong as the crocodile. It will not let go of Asanti’s leg. Mamta pulls harder again and again. A branch of a tree floats near her. She picks it up with the other hand still holding Asanti’s right arm

Mamta hits the crocodile once, twice and again on his long nose. The crocodile tries to get away from Mamta taking Asanti with it. But Mamta does not let it. She keeps hitting it until its jaws open. Mamta gives a mighty tug. She swims away holding Asanti’s hand.

The pond is red with blood from Asanti’s leg. But the girls are safe. Mamta shouts loudly, ‘Help! Help! Crocodile! Crocodile!’ The villagers hear her shouts and come running to the pond. The crocodile slips under the water and swims away. The neighbours help Mamta to take Asanti out of the pond. They take her to the hospital. The doctor bandages Asanti’s cuts and gives her medicine.

The people say, ‘Mamta, you are a brave girl. How did you fight the crocodile? Were you not afraid?’

Mamta’s father puts a hand on her head. ‘My daughter’s love is stronger than her fear,’ he says.

Mamta’s mother says, ‘I am proud of you, Mamta.’

Asanti whispers, ‘Thank you, Mamta.’

Mamta smiles at her family. Her heart fills with love for them.

Everyone comes to know about her bravery. On 26 January, 2018, Mamta is given the National Bravery Award. On Republic Day, the Prime Minister of India gives these awards to brave children. Mamta Dalai is the youngest child to get the award in 2018.

A retelling of a Bravery Awardee’s story