Himachal: Former CM Meets 10-Month-Old Nikita, an Orphaned Survivor of the Mandi Tragedy
Former CM Jairam Thakur caressing innocent child Nikita
Mandi, July 11:
The night of June 30 brought unimaginable devastation to the people of Seraj in Himachal’s Mandi district. Some lost their homes and farmland, while others lost entire families. Among the most heart-wrenching stories are those of children who are too young to understand that they have lost the shelter of their parents forever.
One such child is 10-month-old Nikita from Talwara village in Seraj. Today, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur visited the village, lifted the little girl into his arms, and gently embraced her with affection. He also presented her with a gift as a token of his care.
A Heartfelt Message on Social Media
While holding baby Nikita, Jairam Thakur shared an emotional post on his social media handle. He wrote:
“This little one hasn’t even learned to say ‘Mama’ yet—and her mother is no longer in this world. She will never learn to hold her father’s hand, because he too is gone forever.
This natural disaster has left my Seraj with wounds that will never fully heal. One such painful story is of baby Nikita from Talwara. This little daughter has lost her entire world.
After her parents died tragically in the floods, her aunt is now taking care of her. Meeting her today left my heart shattered.
Her innocent smile seems to hold unspoken sorrow—as if she’s silently waiting for her mother or searching for her father in her heart, not knowing they will never return.
From the outside, everything may seem fine as she giggles in someone’s arms, but within lies a deep, indescribable void.
She is Seraj’s daughter—and we will ensure she never feels the lack of anything.”
A Family Swept Away Trying to Divert a Flooded Stream
Nikita’s story is one of heartbreaking loss. On that tragic night, her father Naresh Kumar, grandmother Purnu Devi, and mother Radha were swept away by flash floods while trying to divert the overflowing stream behind their home. Only Naresh Kumar’s body has been recovered so far.
Nikita had been asleep in the kitchen. The next morning, villagers found her there—safe but alone—and rescued her.
Her home, miraculously, remains intact. She is currently living with her aunt, who, along with other relatives, has chosen to raise her. Despite offers from many well-wishers to adopt the child, the family is determined to take responsibility for her upbringing. The family is also connected to Balwant Thakur, a former PSO to Jairam Thakur.
This story stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of natural disasters—and the quiet strength of those who choose to protect, love, and care even in the darkest of times.
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