RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Sept.1: Etwa Oraon, a resident of Mandar who sacrificed his life in order to save eight people from drowning on June 26, 1994 in a local river, was today remembered for his heroic action during the inauguration of a five-day football tournament organised every year in his memory.
S.P. (rural) Naushad Alam informed this saying Oraon, a security guard of Holy Family hospital, was honoured with ‘Jeevan Raksha’ medal posthumously on May 19, 1998 by the then president for his heroic action.
Sharing his heroic action, S.P(rural) Alam said: “ It was June 26, 1994. A local river Budha Khukra had flooded with water after heavy rainfall. The bridge over the river submerged in water. On the middle of the bridge, Oraon noticed eight people trapped between the water. He without bothering for his life could rescue seven. When he was going to save the eighth one, who had slipped in the water, he flew down the stream and died.”
Alam said the tournament is sponsored by the state police to promote service spirit among common people. The event is organised by Shaheed Etwa Oraon Smarak Nyas from September 1 to 5.