“An award in recognition of social service or contribution to society is not an end in itself. Instead, it implies a greater responsibility on the part of the recipient,” said Karnataka State Jeeva Rakshak Prashati awardee Rajesh Gopalrao Khatavkar. Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram had presented him with the award during the Republic Day celebrations in Belagavi.
A few months ago, two senior citizens were seriously injured in an accident on Fort Road in the city. They were hit by a reckless motorcycle rider. Mr. Khatavkar, who was passing by then, rushed them to the district government hospital and ensured that they received immediate medical help. He did not wait for the ambulance to arrive. The injured victims survived the accident, which could have been fatal.
What followed, however, were days of unexpected ordeal from the police, who kept calling him in connection with the accident. Finally, his name was recommended to the district administration for the award.
Mr. Khatavkar, an engineer and a social activist, is also the winner of the Godfrey Philips National Bravery Award. He was recently conferred with the CID Gallantary Award that carried a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a gold medal and a memento. He has received several awards for his acts of bravery, including stopping a bank robbery a few years ago. These were conferred upon him by the President, the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to a section of the media here on Tuesday, he appealed to citizens to play a proactive role instead of being mute spectators to various unexpected happenings, or looking at someone else to do or lead.
