PM Modi Meets Orphaned Baby Neetika After Himachal Pradesh Floods,Image Captures nation’s Heart
Mandi,Himachal Pradesh – August 15,2023 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi,during a visit to Himachal Pradesh to assess the damage from recent devastating floods adn landslides,met 10-month-old Neetika,who tragically lost her parents and grandmother in a cloudburst.A photograph of the Prime Minister holding the infant has quickly circulated online, becoming a poignant symbol of the disaster’s impact.
The cloudburst struck Talwara village in Mandi district on the night of June 30th and July 1st, claiming the life of Neetika’s father, Ramesh (31).Her mother, Radha devi (24), and grandmother, Purnu Devi (59), remain missing, according to reports from PTI. Ramesh died attempting to divert floodwaters entering their home,while his wife and mother were lost while assisting him.
Following the tragedy, the Himachal Pradesh government declared Neetika a “child of the state” under the Sukh-Aashray Yojana. revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi stated the government will assume full responsibility for Neetika’s upbringing, education, and future, covering all expenses irrespective of her chosen career path – “whether this girl wants to become a doctor, an engineer or an officer,” he told PTI Videos.
The Sukh-Aashray scheme, launched in 2023, provides comprehensive support including food, shelter, clothing, higher education, and skill development to unmarried orphans aged 18-27 who are without housing and employment.
Neetika was discovered alone and crying in her home by neighbour Prem singh,who then alerted Balwant,a personal security officer to former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur.
PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions of Mandi and Kullu on Tuesday,announcing ₹1500 crore in assistance for the state’s recovery. The floods, triggered by incessant rains and landslides, have caused widespread devastation across Himachal Pradesh.