Once again , a 15-year- old Dalit boy, Situ Mallick, of Kandira village under far-flung Rajnagar block, has made the district as well as the State proud with his selection to get the prestigious Indian Council for Child Welfare(ICCW)’s National Bravery Award on coming Republic Day in New Delhi.
The award will be presented by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this regard, a letter has reached from the ICCW to the District Child Protection Unit, said Kendrapada Collector Dasarathi Satapathy.
The presence of mind and courageous act of Situ, who is studying in 10th Class at Kandira-based Basudev Bidyapitha, had saved the life of his 28-year-old uncle, Binod Mallick, from a crocodile.
Notably, Binod had gone to guard the harvested paddy by taking his nephew Situ on February 20 evening last year. But he was attacked by a crocodile in Daruora nullah. The 12 to 15 feet long crocodile pounced on Binod and dragged him by his left hand into the nullah .As a result, Binod screamed for help. Situ, who was standing on the bank, switched on the torch and laid the focus on the eyes of the reptile besides hitting its head with a stick.
Consequently, the crocodile released Binod and disappeared. Binod who sustained critical injuries on his hand and thigh was rescued and was later hospitalised.