Mandi (Himachal Pradesh): Rescue is only half the job. Reviving someone who has drowned is the other half, and it's equally important when it comes to saving a life.
The BSL canal of Mandi has become the cause of death for hundreds of people and animals. A 61-year-old Baliram of Balh sub-division in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh has set an example of humanity by saving hundreds of lives for the last 40 years.
According to locals, he has saved over 70 people from drowning till now and he has also saved over 500 cattle from drowning.
In 2009, the President, Pratibha Patil had awarded him the Jeevan Raksha Padak, for setting an example of humanity.
However, the state government and local administration have not taken any care of him and he has not got any commendations from the State administration.
Baliram says that his work was started since 1977 and it is still going on. The state government and the state administration have ignored him. He has been demanding only one life jacket from the administration but till date, they have not provided a life jacket to him.
Baliram runs a vegetable shop on the banks of the canal. Whenever an accident happens, he puts his own life coat and jumps into the canal to save others' life. Baliram saves the lives of drowning people and cattle with a rope.
Baliram says that even at the age of 61, he is working to save others and he will continue doing it.
In such work, there is always a danger to his life, so he does not have many expectations from the administration and the government.
Baliram needs only a life jacket from the government so that he can continue to help those who drown in the canal.
Baliram has also expressed his happiness for being honoured by the central government. He wants to continue helping people and is asking for only one life jacket for himself.
