The Sonitpur district administration in Assam on Thursday felicitated 11-year-old Uttam Tanti, who saved two persons from drowning in rising floodwater of Digholjuli river, in village Dhankhana under Thelamara Revenue Circle of Sonitpur district on July 7 last.
Deputy commissioner Narsing Pawar handed over financial assistance of Rs 5000 and a bicycle to Uttam as recognition of his heroic deed in the presence of senior district administration officials and media persons at a simple ceremony held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office.
Deputy Commissioner Narsing Pawar on learning that Uttam has to walk for over an hour to reach school every day gifted him the bicycle to help him commute and also to encourage him to complete his education.
Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said, “We are extremely proud of him. He has exhibited immense courage in such a trying situation and put his own life at risk to save the lives of two other human beings. He is an example for others,” adding that the administration will recommend his name for the National Bravery Awards this year.
Uttam Tanti, had on July 7 last saved a woman, Anjali Tanti and her three-year-old daughter Riya Tanti from drowning in the river which they were trying to cross.
However, one and half year old Dipika Tanti was washed away by the river and her body was recovered some three km away the next day by SDRF officials.
Speaking to the media, Uttam when asked to narrate the incident expressed his grief at being unable to save the other child in spite of his best efforts.
He also expressed his desire to join the Army when he grows up.
Uttam Tanti’s father, Nipen Tanti is a daily wage labourer and a seasonal farmer.
The deputy commissioner informed that the administration will also ensure that the family receives benefits from all government schemes.
Additional deputy commissioner Narnarayan Nath announced that the family of the victim, Dipika Tanti will receive an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh.
District development commissioner Farouk Alam, additional deputy commissioner Parag Kakaty, circle officer Thelamara Lakhyajyoti Das and other senior district administration officials were present in the meeting.
