Shimla, June 7:
A heartwarming moment unfolded on Shimla’s bustling Mall Road late Friday night when Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in an act of remarkable compassion and presence of mind, helped reunite a lost child with his parents—setting a shining example of humanity in public service.
The incident occurred between 9:30 and 10:00 PM while the Chief Minister was out for his regular evening walk on the Mall Road. Amid the tourist season’s heavy footfall, he noticed a young boy standing alone by the roadside, visibly distressed and crying. Realising something was amiss, the Chief Minister immediately approached the child and gently began talking to him.
It soon became clear that the boy, approximately six or seven years old and part of a tourist family from Rajasthan, had become separated from his parents in the crowd. Without hesitation, CM Sukhu comforted the boy, reassuring him that he would be safely reunited with his family.
Demonstrating his signature empathy, the Chief Minister asked his staff to bring water and chocolates to help calm the child. Once the boy had settled, he was able to recall his mother’s mobile number. The Chief Minister personally dialed the number and handed the phone to the child. Hearing her son’s voice, the mother, overcome with emotion, rushed to the spot with her husband.
The Chief Minister’s staff followed due protocols to verify the parents’ identity before handing over the child. Tears of relief and gratitude marked the emotional reunion. The boy’s parents, visibly moved, thanked the Chief Minister and expressed disbelief that the head of the state had personally intervened to help their child. “This is a moment we will never forget,” they said.
The entire episode, witnessed by numerous tourists on the Mall Road, drew widespread admiration. Many captured the touching scene on their phones, praising the Chief Minister’s humility and quick response. One tourist remarked, “We never imagined a Chief Minister would personally comfort a lost child. It was like something out of a movie.”
The incident is another testament to CM Sukhu’s grounded and people-first approach. Known for his direct involvement during natural disasters and public emergencies, he continues to stand out for his hands-on leadership style and heartfelt connection with the people of Himachal Pradesh.
With Shimla currently witnessing a heavy tourist influx, the Chief Minister’s gesture not only ensured a safe reunion but also left a lasting impression of kindness and accountability in governance.