Bhubaneswar: Two sisters — Sasmita Giri and Purnima Giri — who jumped into the swirling waters of the Mahanadi to save lives of passengers of the boat that capsized on Wednesday, are receiving heaps of praises from various quarters and eminent persons for their exemplary bravery.
The two sisters saved 10 persons from drowning in the Mahanadi at Nipania in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.
Hearing screams of the victims for help, Sasmita and Purnima reached the spot when the boat had capsized completely. Despite knowing that the portion of the river was crocodile-infested, the two, braving the deep and swirling waters and intense cold wave conditions, jumped into the river and saved the lives of the victims.
“The two brave girls managed to save at least 10 persons, including two women and some children, from meeting a watery grave,” said Nalini Kanta Sahu, a local resident.
“We rescued as many persons as we could. However, we were saddened to see others drowning in the river as they were trapped under the boat which had overturned,” the two sisters said with tears in their eyes.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik admired the bravery of the duo.
“They (Sasmita and Purnima) are the real heroes of Odisha and represent the bravery and compassion of young Odisha,” said a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.
The ill-fated country boat carrying around 55 persons capsized in Mahanadi river confluence near Nipania under Mahakalapada block of Kendrapara district on Wednesday evening. The victims had gone on a picnic and were returning home when the mishap took place.
