As volunteers, they worked 10 hours everyday for 20 days, helping in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
A pavement in Chennai is their home. They had nothing to give, but that didn't stop V Ashok, 14, R Arjun, 10, and M Arumugam, 8, from contributing to flood relief efforts. And now their efforts have earned them scholarships.
Inspired by the story of the three boys who were honoured at the
NDTV Indian of the Year Awards this year, BJP lawmaker Tarun Vijay has offered to sponsor their education in a boarding school.
"After admission when they are on vacation, I will take them to the Parliament. Maybe they will become lawmakers. Despite abject poverty they've helped others during floods. They embody Tirukkural," Mr Vijay said.
As volunteers at The Hindu Group's flood relief camp, they worked 10 hours daily for 20 days, helping in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The children go to a government-aided school nearby. Their parents earn their living as street vendors and live on the payment under a bridge at Chennai's Triplicane area.
The three children recieved NDTV's award for Outstanding Service To The Nation.
Ashok, a class eight student, has lost his father and his mother is a domestic help. "Here we don't have a house. Even during rains we don't have a place to stay," he said.
But all of them have a childish enthusiasm about getting an opportunity to work towards their dreams. "I want to become a doctor and I'd help all those in need," said an excited Arumugam, a class four student.
R Arjun, a fifth grader said, "It would be jolly to be in a hostel. I'd be happy."
The parents hope their dreams would come true. Baghavathi, Arjun's mother said, "Often the boys would sleep hungry without dinner for want of money."
"We slog all day only for them. If they do well, our life would get better too," added V Gauri, Ashok's mother.
"We would be proud and happy," said Arumugam's mother M Lakshmi.