THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Raipur, Dec. 26: Courage does not always wear a uniform, and heroism does not wait for adulthood. On Veer Bal Diwas, this truth came alive at the Chief Minister’s residence in Raipur, where four children from different parts of Chhattisgarh were honoured for acts of bravery that saved lives and inspired an entire state.
At a special ceremony organised by the Chhattisgarh Civil Society, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented gallantry awards named after the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh—symbols of fearlessness, sacrifice and moral strength. The awards recognised children who faced danger head-on, often risking their own lives to protect others.
A Silent Child Who Stood His Ground
Om Upadhyay of Kohka, Bhilai, recipient of the Sahibzada Ajit Singh Award, proved that courage does not need words. When a group of aggressive dogs attacked children in his neighbourhood, panic spread. Om, who cannot hear, placed himself between the dogs and the children.
Despite being bitten and bleeding, he did not step back. He fought on until the dogs retreated, protecting those who could not protect themselves. His quiet resolve left a powerful impression on everyone present at the ceremony.
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A Seven-Year-Old Against a Herd of Elephants
In the forested region of Surguja, danger arrived in the form of a rampaging elephant herd. As villagers fled, a three-year-old child was left alone inside a house. Seven-year-old Kanti, awarded the Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Award, did not run.
She walked through the chaos, past the trumpeting elephants, entered the house and carried her younger sister to safety. Her courage in the face of overwhelming fear stood as one of the most striking stories of the day.
Quick Thinking That Beat Death
In Dhamtari, what began as a moment of play turned into a brush with death when Anshika Sahu’s elder sister came into contact with a live electric wire. People froze in fear as the current held her captive.
Anshika, honoured with the Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Award, acted instantly. Using plastic footwear to avoid electrocution, she struck the wire and freed her sister—an act of presence of mind that saved a life.
Diving into Danger
Premchand Sahu of Rampur (Danganiya), Raipur, received the Sahibzada Fateh Singh Award for a rescue that unfolded in deep water. When a child began drowning in a pond, laughter turned into screams.
Without hesitation, Premchand jumped into the water, battling strong currents and fear, and pulled the child to safety. His act earned him recognition as a true “jal-nayak” of his village.
Remembering the Sahibzadas, Shaping the Future
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister recalled the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s four sons and said the courage of these children carries the same spirit of selflessness and moral strength. He announced that Veer Bal Diwas will be celebrated across Chhattisgarh in a larger, statewide manner from next year.
He also noted that a chapter on Veer Bal Diwas has been included in Class 3 textbooks, ensuring that stories of courage become part of early education.
The Chhattisgarh Civil Society also presented its vision document for the state’s development, which was appreciated by the Chief Minister. Convenor Dr Kuldeep Solanki said the organisation had played a key role in the Prime Minister’s decision to declare December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas nationally.
Members of Parliament Santosh Pandey and Vijay Baghel, along with senior citizens and social leaders, attended the ceremony.
Why This Matters
In a time often dominated by grim headlines, the stories of Om, Kanti, Anshika and Premchand offer a reminder that bravery can come from the smallest among us. Their actions not only saved lives but also reaffirmed the values of courage, compassion and responsibility—values that Veer Bal Diwas seeks to honour and pass on.
