Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Aug 20: The officials of taluk child development project were taken by surprise when they approached the family of Jyotji, a girl from Salageri in Kollur, who had rescued her cousin who was reportedly drowning in a stream near her home on July 20 this year. The team of officials, which had visited the spot at the recommendation of the school where the student is studying, was there to collect details to recommend bravery award for the girl.
Braveheart Jyothi
Mamatha, a ninth standard student of Kollur government high school, was being washed away in the flood water of Chowdi Gundi stream, when the daughter of father's elder brother, Jyothi, who is a tenth standard student, jumped into the stream and rescued her cousin. A number of friends of these sisters who were with them at the time, had witnessed the brave act of the girl, it was reported.
Taluk child development project officer, Bhagirathi Hebbar, gram panchayat president, Vishwanath Adiga, 'Namma Bhoomi' society activist, Vanaja, Anganwadi worker, Philomena, and some gram panchayat members had visited the home of the girl to gather details. However, Jyothi said that the stream was not that deep to pose grave danger to anyone, and that all the girls in the group had together had helped her cousin out of the situation. She not only said that she does not deserve to be considered for the bravery award, but also gave this opinion in writing. Mamatha, who was reportedly rescued by Jyothi, said she had suffered some nicks and cuts after falling into the pit, and that she could get herself out of the situation. She admitted that she was helped and treated by the girls accompanying her, and that she could not attend school for a few days due to the injuries. Both the girls said they were not aware of newspaper reports which said Mamatha had been washed away for 200 metres and was rescued by her brave cousin, Jyothi.
Jyothi, a tenth standard student, is studying in SSLC. She lost her mother 16 years back, and the family is run by her elder sisters and father, who work as coolies. The family has not availed of any government facility, and Jyothi said she wants to get educated further, adding that she would be glad if the government can extend assistance for the same instead of recommending her for any award.
Bhagirathi Hebbar said she had visited the family on the basis of newspaper reports and information provided by the school, for recommending bravery awards. She added that the girls have confirmed that the incident was not serious one, adding that a final decision would now be taken by the department. Kollur gram panchayat president, Vishwanath Adiga, said that the information which spread in the school had reached the teachers, through whom it reached the media which brought out reports which did not bring out the actual facts. He said the village would have felt proud if the girl had won bravery award.