TEZPUR, July 14 - The Sonitpur district administration felicitated 11-year- old Uttam Tanti, who saved two persons from drowning in the swirling flood waters of Digholjuli river at Dhankhana village under Thelamara Revenue Circle in Sonitpur district on July 7 last.
Deputy Commissioner Narsing Pawar handed over a financial reward of Rs 5,000 along with a bicycle to Uttam as recognition of his heroic deed in the presence of senior district administration officials and mediapersons.
Deputy Commissioner Narsing Pawar on learning that Uttam has to walk for over an hour to reach school every day, gifted him a bicycle to help him commute and also to encourage him to complete his education.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said, �We are extremely proud of him. He has exhibited immense courage in such a trying situation and put his own life at risk to save the lives of two other human beings. He is an example for others to emulate,� adding that the administration will recommend his name for the National Bravery Awards this year.
It may be recalled that Uttam Tanti had on July 7 last saved a woman named Anjali Tanti and her 3-year-old daughter Riya Tanti from drowning in the river, which the former were trying to cross. However, one-and-a-half-year-old Dipika Tanti was washed away by the river and her body was recovered some 3 kms away the following day by SDRF personnel.
Speaking to the media, Uttam, when asked to narrate the incident, expressed his grief at being unable to save the other child inspite of his best efforts. He also expressed his desire to join the Army when he grows up
It may be pertinent to add here that Uttam Tanti�s father Nipen Tanti is a daily wage labourer, besides a marginal farmer. The Deputy Commissioner informed that the district administration will also ensure that the family receives benefits from all Government schemes.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Narnarayan Nath announced that the family of the victim will receive an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh.
DDC Farouk Alam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Parag Kakaty, Circle Officer of Thelamara Lakhyajyoti Das and other senior district administration officials were also present in the meeting.
