Nature’s fury raging across the nation has brought people closer to stand united in the face of such unforgiving adversity. This year’s erratic monsoons have brought misery to many. While some parts of the country are parched with people fighting over water, other parts are wading neck-deep in water.
This year’s floods have consumed numerous lives, caused severe damage to property and has plunged vast sections of the population into despair.
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But hope kindles anew with the kind acts being reported across the nation. People have come forward in aid of others at the cost of their happiness, and at times, even their lives.
In this article, you will read about everyday folks who have become heroes for their selfless deeds.
1. Anas Asna
Anas, a resident of Adoor town in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, had been saving up money for the treatment of his cancer-afflicted son. But, the step he took to help others in need is not only brave but also heartwarming. He has donated the money he intended for his son to the Kerala flood relief funds!
“Yes, my son is suffering, but that is nothing compared to the loss that many others have faced in the state due to the floods.” People across social media platforms have been inspired by his move and have assured him that they will bring this noble deed to the attention of Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja. If this isn’t selflessness, then what is!
2. Noushad
“If one doesn’t help now then when? We came with nothing and will go with nothing,” says Noushad, a garments seller at Mattancheri in Ernakulam. He has donated all the dress material he was going to sell for Bakrid to flood relief.
According to a news report, a group of volunteers led by actor Rajesh Shama were collecting relief material for the Malabar region that has suffered widespread damage due to the devastating floods and landslides.
Noushad, who knew about the collection drive, invited them to his shop and donated all the new clothes, mostly for children and women. In a video posted online, one can see Noushad filling up sacks and sacks of clothes; children’s dresses, new trousers, many of them still with the tag on, and even saree’s.
Though Eid would be a dim affair in his house this year, the clothes-seller has already lit up his home with the blessings of the people who have lost almost everything.
3. Govind Chawda
Govind, a police sub-inspector in Vadodara has become an internet hero due to his sheer selflessness. Upon learning about the flood situation at Devipura locality near Vishwamitri Railway Station, a team of police officers went there to assess and help. It was during this rescue operation that Govind found a one-and-a-half-year-old in distress.
“Other members of the team and I had to walk through flooded roads to reach Devipura. We tied a rope to a pole so that people could move by holding on to it as the water was neck-deep,” he said.
To get the child to safety, Govind asked for a plastic tub and carried the child in it across the flooded streets. He says, “We put some clothes and a bed-sheet in the tub and put the child in it. I placed the tub on my head and walked through five feet-deep water for 1.5 km to take her to a safer place. The mother was also rescued.”
The cop brought the child to safety and won the hearts of people.
4. Constable Prithviraj Jadeja
People usually are prompt to condemn the slow-acting police, but do not shy away from showering praises when they do go above and beyond their call of duty – case in point, Kalyanpur, Gujarat.
Forty-three children were trapped in their school in Kalyanpur due to the floods; the only option left was to call the police to help. Amid the chaos and fast water current, Constable Jadeja of the Gujarat Police was seen carrying two children on his shoulders. The hero walked for over 1.5 km through waist-deep water in a village in Morbi district, about 200 km from the capital Gandhinagar. Despite the strong current, constable Jadeja looked calm as he took the girls to safety.
This act was noticed by many, including politicians and cricketers. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman praised the constable for his “exemplary dedication and courage”. “What a wonderful and touching video of Constable Jadeja in Kalyanpur village of Gujarat rescuing two children by walking one and a half km in floodwater. Hats off to his exemplary dedication and courage,” he tweeted.
5. Asif Ali
Asif is a native of Kottakal in Malapurram and works in Saudi Arabia as a waiter. He diligently sends money home for his parents and siblings. The time of Eid he usually gets a bonus helping him to send a substantial amount of money. This year he decided to send all the money he made, including the tips from the foreigners and the bonus he got to the Kerala relief fund.
He took to Facebook to say, “I have my mother, father, and six sisters back at home. Five of them have been married off, but there are still many responsibilities left. I have been working in “Meenkada” Restaurant in Saudi for four years. This money was given to me as tips by foreign customers, got my Bakrid allowance from the boss as well. I will contribute this to the CMDRF. I decided to donate more money than I did last time.” While Asif might be away from his native place, his heart is undoubtedly back home.
6. A Nameless Hero
This hero is a young boy who put his life at risk to guide an ambulance crosses a flood-hit bridge in Bagalkot in Karnataka. In this now-viral video, you can see the young boy running ahead of the ambulance showing it the way across the raging Krishna River that had submerged the bridge.
(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)