Munish Sood
MANDI: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Gaggal Airport in Kangra on Tuesday (September 9, 2025) to meet flashflood victims from Mandi, Kullu and Chamba districts, among the survivors was a little girl who has become a symbol of resilience across Himachal Pradesh – Nitika from Talwara village in Gohar subdivision of Mandi district.
On the night of June 30, 2025, when a cloudburst triggered devastating flashfloods in Talwara, Nitika miraculously survived even as her parents and grandmother were swept away. Her father Ramesh Kumar’s body was later recovered, but her mother Radha and grandmother Purnu Devi remain untraced.
That night, Nitika’s cries pierced through the silence of destruction and led villagers to discover the tragedy. The very next day, her father’s body was found, confirming the scale of loss.
Today, destiny gave Nitika another unforgettable moment. Prime Minister Modi lifted the little girl in his arms, showering affection and blessing her. Nitika, accompanied by her aunt Tara Devi, who has now taken up her upbringing as her own child, became the heart of the meeting.
Soon after the flashfloods, Nitika’s survival became a story of hope that moved people across the state. Former Gohar SDM Smritika Negi, who first held the child amid the wreckage, called her a “super girl” and initiated a public appeal for her support. At her request, the administration opened two bank accounts in Nitika’s name, inviting citizens to contribute for her future. Officers, officials and common people alike came forward, calling Nitika the “child of hope”.
In the midst of devastation that claimed many lives, the sight of this infant emerging unhurt from the rubble was nothing short of a miracle. Today, as Prime Minister Modi embraced her, Nitika’s journey – from tragedy to becoming the face of resilience – found a new chapter.
Another face of the tragedy in Mandi was Krishna Devi, who too was brought to Kangra to meet the PM. Krishna Devi, wife of late Kishan Singh, hails from 178/3 Jail Road, Tungl Colony, Mandi. Her family was devastated during the flashfloods on July 29, 2025, which swept away four members of her family. Of them, three lost their lives while one sustained critical injuries.
The deceased included her son Balbir Singh (47), daughter-in-law Sapna (48) and grandson Amanpreet Singh (25). The lone survivor, her elder son Darshan Singh (55), suffered severe leg injuries and is still undergoing treatment.
The family remains in deep shock, struggling to cope with the irreparable loss. The district administration has assured continued medical and financial support, while the Prime Minister expressed condolences and assured that the government stands with the victims in this time of tragedy.
