| PM Modi meets flood survivors in Himachal | | Story of 11-month old baby, who lost her entire family, moves the nation | | 
Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 9: In a heartfelt gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kangra on Tuesday to meet survivors of the devastating monsoon floods that have left deep scars across Himachal Pradesh.
Among those he embraced was one-year-old Nitika, whose story has become a poignant symbol of resilience and loss in the wake of this year’s catastrophe.
Nitika’s life was shattered when, at just 11 months old, she lost her entire family in a cloudburst that struck Talwara village in Mandi district on the night of June 30. Her father, Ramesh Kumar (31), mother Radha Devi (24), and grandmother Poonam Devi (59) were swept away while desperately trying to protect their home from an avalanche of mud and debris. Unaware of the impending disaster, they could not save themselves.
Miraculously, little Nitika survived. Sleeping peacefully in the kitchen—a part of the house spared by the landslide—she remained untouched by the catastrophe that consumed her loved ones.
Now nearly 14 months old, Nitika’s innocence and bravery have touched hearts across the country.
The Himachal Pradesh government has declared her a “child of the state,” committing to support her education and all living expenses. She is being cared for by her paternal aunt, Kirna Devi, while the nation watches over her with compassion.
Following the tragedy, an image of Nitika being cradled by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Samritika Negi went viral, stirring an outpouring of support. Hundreds across the country came forward offering to adopt her, but authorities ensured she remained within her family’s care.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also met with 20 other survivors who lost family members and property to the relentless monsoon rains that began on June 20 and have wreaked havoc across the state.
In the midst of grief and despair, Nitika’s survival stands as a beacon of hope—a reminder of the human spirit’s strength even in the face of unimaginable loss. |
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