'I want to see my father...': Children's cries bring tears as Kerala bids farewell to flood hero
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 5
"I want to see my father, sir... please remove the cloth covering his face" - the heart-rending plea of the young children of flood rescue volunteer R. Rajesh, who sacrificed his life while saving a stranded farmer in Kannur, reduced even seasoned public officials to tears as his mortal remains were brought to his home at Kalliyoor near here on Wednesday.
The grief-stricken children clung to the coffin, crying inconsolably, while relatives, neighbours, and rescue volunteers struggled to comfort them.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who arrived to pay his last respects, stood in silence, visibly moved by the family's anguish. Rajesh, hailed as a hero for laying down his life to save another, was accorded full State honours at his funeral.
Ministers, elected representatives, senior officials, and hundreds of people from different walks of life joined family members in bidding a final farewell.
Earlier, the State Cabinet had announced that the government would complete the construction of Rajesh's unfinished house as a mark of gratitude for his extraordinary sacrifice.
The tragedy unfolded at Meenthulli Thuruthu in Cherupuzha, Kannur, where Rajesh had joined rescue operations after the Kariyankode River swelled following torrential rain and landslides in the forests.
A farmer, Benny, had been stranded on a river island after floodwaters cut off access.
Rajesh, a trained swimming and rescue instructor, along with fellow rescuers Shibin and rafter Jithin, swam across the raging river to bring him to safety.
On the return journey, Rajesh removed his own life jacket and gave it to the farmer.
Moments later, while attempting to cross the river without the protective gear, he lost his grip on the safety rope in the powerful current and was swept away.
Rescue teams recovered his body on Tuesday afternoon from a small island several kilometres downstream after an intensive search.
Rajesh was no stranger to danger.
President of the Adventure and Disaster Management Club (ADAMS), he had participated in numerous rescue operations, including the Wayanad floods, and had earned a reputation as a fearless disaster response volunteer.
A national-level throwball player and a rappelling instructor, he inspired many young people through his commitment to adventure sports and public service.
In death, Rajesh has become a symbol of courage and selfless service, a man who chose another's life over his own, leaving behind a grieving family and a state that saluted his sacrifice.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Reading this in the morning and I can't stop crying. That poor family, especially those children who had to see their father like that. People like Rajesh are the real gems of our society, not those politicians who only show up for photo ops. I hope the CM follows through on the promises made and doesn't forget this family once the media attention fades. Rest in peace sir.
A true Keralite hero. He knew the risks of swimming in that river without a life jacket, but he selflessly gave it to Benny. This is the spirit of humanity that Kerala stands for - always ready to help others, even at the cost of one's own life. My deepest respects to this brave soul. 🙌
The part about his children asking to see his face is too painful to process. As a mother myself, I can't even imagine what his wife is going through. This man was not just a volunteer - he was a father, a husband, and a mentor to many. Kudos to ADAMS for training such brave people. My prayers for the family's strength. 🙏
It's hard to comprehend the courage it takes to give your life jacket to someone else, knowing the waters are dangerous. The world has lost a true humanitarian. My heart goes out to the family, and I hope they feel the love and support of the entire nation during this difficult time. 🇮🇳
True heroes don't wear capes; they wear life jackets and dive into raging rivers. Rajesh sir, you are an inspiration for all Indian youth.
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