Nongstoin, May 12 : Two young boys from Nongsohpian village in West Khasi Hills have been praised for their bravery after rescuing a toddler who nearly drowned in a river between Domkohsam and Nongsohpian villages on Monday afternoon.
The boys, identified as 14-year-old Danielborn Nongsiej and 10-year-old Robertjohn Nongsiej, acted immediately after noticing a small child floating motionless in the water.
According to local residents, the river is commonly used by villagers for washing clothes and other household activities.
The child, identified as Elbius Syiemlieh, who is less than two years old, had reportedly fallen into the river unnoticed.
Speaking about the incident, the two boys said they were returning home from a birthday gathering at their aunt’s house in Syllei-Iawkein when they reached the river and spotted the child floating in the water.
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Without hesitating or worrying about the depth of the river, both boys jumped in and managed to pull the toddler out safely. Soon after the rescue, the child’s mother arrived at the spot and rushed him to a doctor in Nongstoin after noticing that he had stopped breathing.
Fortunately, the toddler regained consciousness after receiving treatment and is now recovering well.
Elbius is the son of Aljinius Nongsiej and Albamary Syiemlieh of Domkohsam village. Recounting the incident, the child’s mother said she had gone upstream to wash clothes and did not realise that her son had followed her.
She explained that family members had earlier taken the child back home, but he later returned to the river area unnoticed and accidentally slipped into the water. The heroic rescue has since earned widespread appreciation in the area.
On Tuesday morning, Nongsohpian village, under the leadership of village headman Sirian Wahlang, organised a small felicitation programme to honour the two boys for their courage and presence of mind.
During the programme, Danielborn and Robertjohn were presented with traditional shawls as a mark of respect and appreciation from the community.
Village authorities also stated that a larger programme will soon be organised to formally recognise the brave actions of the two young rescuers.
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