CM Yogi Adityanath Honors Brave Children at International Forest Day Event in Lucknow
In a heartwarming ceremony held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recognized and honored children who demonstrated exceptional bravery during dangerous wildlife encounters. The event, titled 'Aranya Samagam', was organized to commemorate International Forest Day and took place at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Saturday.
Inspiring Stories of Courage and Quick Thinking
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised the courage of children who survived terrifying leopard attacks, describing them as "inspirational figures for society" whose actions deserve widespread recognition. The ceremony highlighted two particularly remarkable cases of bravery.
Achhelal's Harrowing Escape
Achhelal, a 10-year-old boy from Bahraich, displayed incredible presence of mind during a life-threatening encounter with a leopard on December 6, 2025. The attack occurred while Achhelal was returning home with his father on a bicycle. When the leopard suddenly emerged from a sugarcane field and attacked him, the young boy fought back courageously and managed to escape the predator's grasp.
Tanu Singh's Protective Actions
In another incident on January 8, 18-year-old Tanu Singh from Prayagraj demonstrated remarkable bravery when a leopard entered a house in Chhivaiya village in the Jhunsi area. Tanu ensured the safe evacuation of two younger children from the premises and then managed to lock the leopard inside a room, preventing further danger to the household and community.
Recognition for Forest Department Personnel
The ceremony also extended recognition to forest department personnel who have shown dedication to wildlife conservation and protection. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath awarded commendation certificates to:
- Deputy Ranger Pushpendra Singh from Moradabad division
- Forest Guard Sunil Kumar Gond from Hamirpur
- Forest Guard Shivam Kumar from Rampur
- Gardener Reena Sharma from Etah
These awards acknowledged their valuable contributions to forest management and wildlife protection efforts across Uttar Pradesh.
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The 'Aranya Samagam' event was attended by several prominent officials, including Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest Arun Kumar Saxena and Minister of State K P Malik. Their presence underscored the government's commitment to forest conservation and wildlife protection initiatives.
The ceremony served as both a celebration of International Forest Day and a powerful reminder of the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife, while highlighting extraordinary examples of courage in the face of danger.
