A nine-year-old boy from Agra, whose fearless act saved his father from the jaws of a crocodile, has been honoured with one of the nation's highest awards for children. Ajay Raj Nishad received the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi, before returning to a hero's welcome in his hometown of Bah on Saturday.
A Moment of Sheer Terror and Courage
The incident that catapulted Ajay to national fame occurred on the afternoon of July 25. His father, Vir Bhan, a labourer, had gone to fetch water from the Chambal river near their home when a fully-grown crocodile suddenly attacked. The reptile grabbed Vir Bhan's right leg and tried to drag him into the water.
"I thought that I was gone that day," recalled Vir Bhan, showing the scar from the attack. "I am alive today only because of my 9-year-old son."
Seeing his father in peril, Ajay, described as thin and diminutive, did not hesitate. He picked up a long stick and began hitting the crocodile. When repeated blows had little effect, the quick-thinking boy aimed for the predator's most sensitive spot. Ajay struck the crocodile in the eye, forcing it to release his father and retreat into the river.
National Recognition and a Future Dream
The child's extraordinary bravery did not go unnoticed. It reached the corridors of power in the national capital, leading to his selection for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in the bravery category. At the award ceremony in Delhi, Ajay had a brief interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which left him deeply inspired.
While dedicating the honour to his grandmother, Ratna Devi, Ajay shared his future aspiration. "I want to join the defence forces and serve the nation in the future," he said. "I want to protect my country the way I protected my father."
The family has faced hardship, having lost Ajay's mother a few years ago. The children are now being raised by their grandmother.
A Local Hero's Homecoming
Back in Bah, Agra, Ajay has become a local icon. People from neighbouring villages have been visiting to meet the young awardee. His bravery has also been recognised by local leaders. Fatehpur Sikri MP Rajkumar Chahar met Ajay and awarded him Rs 51,000 in recognition of his courage.
Reflecting on the life-or-death moment, Ajay said, "I was afraid for my life too. But at that moment, the only thing that came to my mind was how to save my dad." His act, lasting only a few seconds, has forever changed his life and earned him a permanent place in the annals of childhood bravery in India.
