Soumya Ranjan Biswal (23) of Jajpur district, who lost his life while trying to save many persons from drowning in the river Bramahani three years back, will posthumously get Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak on the Independence Day this year.
“The district administration has recently received a cheque of `100,000 from the Union Government to pay the sum to the parents of Soumya.It was a busy day at the river ghat on October 4, 2011 in the riverside village Chandanpur under Bari block as many villagers were crossing the river to reach Ramachanrapur village to worship Ma Durga on the Ashtami Day of Dussehra when an overloaded boat capsized in the middle of the river, with many on board, including some teenagers, slipping into the river.
Though many persons had gathered near the river bank, but none dared to venture into it to rescue those drowning. However, Soumya soon plunged into the river and brought ashore ten persons, including four teenagers. But while showing the bravery he drowned. Due to exhaustion, he could not withstand very strong currents in the river and was swept away.The district administration in 2012 had recommended his name for a posthumous national bravery award.
“I always remember my son’s heroic work, who lost his life while trying to save the lives of many. He was working in Madhya Pradesh in a private company three years back. He had returned to the village during Durga Puja holiday but as ill luck would have it, he could not live to join back his duty,” said Soumya’s father Bhagawan Biswal. “I was delighted to know that my son was selected for the bravery award. This would inspire other persons,” said Soumya’s mother Gitarani.