Two sisters jump into crocodile-infested waters to save passengers onboard a capsized boat in Odisha
Bhubaneshwar: "Bravery is not a quality of the body. It is of the soul," said Mahatma Gandhi. His words hold true in the case of two sisters who saved as many as 10 people from drowning or being eaten by crocodiles after their boat capsized in river Mahanadi.
The incident took place on January 2 when Sasmita Giri and Purnima Giri saw a boat capsizing in the Mahanadi river confluence near Nipania under Mahakalapada block of Kendrapara district. According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, the sisters rushed to the rescue of the boat's passengers after hearing their screams.
Despite knowing fully well that the part of the river where the boat capsized was deep and infested with crocodiles, the sisters did not hesitate and jumped into the cold river to save the lives of the boat's passengers. As a result of their efforts, the girls managed to save as many as 10 passengers including some women and children.
In a statement they gave to news agencies, the girls said that they were disappointed over not being able to save all of the passengers since some of them were trapped under the overturned boat. Locals from the area have lauded the courage and bravery of the sisters.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's office also released a statement commending the two girls. "They are the real heroes of Odisha and represent the bravery and compassion of young Odisha," said the statement.