The prestigious Geeta Chopra award for bravery was conferred to ‘Shivampet Ruchita’ of Telangana. The award would be presented by the Prime Minister on the eve of Republic Day. Geeta Chopra award is given to kids under the age of 16 years for the display of bravery. Ruchita has shown the glimpse of her bravery as she saved two of her friends from a mishap. On 24th July 2014, Ruchita was travelling in her school bus along with 40 other students. As the bus reached an unmanned level crossing near Masaipet village in Medak district, a passenger train has collided with the bus. This has resulted in the death of 20 students along with the driver. Earlier, Ruchita who saw the train speeding on the track has shouted to driver for a halt. But, the driver who was in a hurry to be on schedule has ignored the shouts and leapt forward. Ruchita expecting the inevitable has pushed two of her friends before leaping out of the bus. The Masaipeta bus mishap has once more evoked a debate on the safety at the unmanned level crossings. Ruchita was now selected for the Geeta Chopra award for her presence of mind. If the driver of the bus had such presence of mind, he could have saved the lives of 20 kids!