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This Baby Lost Her Family in Himachal Floods — Now Declared a "Child of the State"
Published: 12/09/25
Updated: 12/09/25
This story is about Nikita, an 11-month-old baby from Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. Not sure how to frame it, inspiring or tragic? Wondering why that question – here’s why?
She survived a devastating flash flood in late June 2025 that wiped out her parents and grandmother. That was the tragic part. Today, she is being cared and supported by the state government under the Chief Minister’s Sukh-Aashray Yojana and she has been officially declared a “Child of the State.” Isn’t that inspiring?
The Cloudburst That Changed Everything For Baby Nikita
It was June 30 night when a sudden cloudburst struck Talwara village. Floodwaters rushed through the homes. Her father, Ramesh Kumar, rushed out in the dark to try and stop the water, but unfortunately, he was swept away. Her mother, Radha Devi, and grandmother, Purnu Devi, followed and tragically disappeared. Only baby Nikita remained in the house and was found crying by a neighbour. She was around 10 to 11 months old at the time.
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A Community Rallies Around Her
When her family couldn’t be saved, Talwara’s residents came together. Her aunt, Kirna Devi, took her in with a promise to raise her as her own. Many people even offered to adopt her but the family decided she belongs with them. Kirna said, “We are her blood. She stays with us
The community effort was overwhelming. Local officials even opened two bank accounts under her name to receive donations. These funds are overseen by child protection officers and are locked until she turns 18. This is for the benefit of the baby only.
From Tragedy to Security
Recognizing her needs, the Himachal Pradesh government enrolled Nikita under the Chief Minister’s Sukh-Aashray Yojana. She now receives ₹4,000 per month until she turns 27. In July and August, ₹8,000 was already credited to her savings account. Under the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, she’ll receive full support for education.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan confirmed, “Whatever she wants to become, doctor, engineer, officer - the government will bear all expenses.”
The Gesture From PM Modi
On September 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kangra district to meet flood survivors. Among the 21 survivors, he met baby Nikita. He gently held the baby, smiled at her and reassured her aunt, “If you face any problem, call me.”
How She’s Doing Today
Neighbours describe Nikita as cheerful and affectionate. Her aunt and uncle call her a blessing: “She makes our family feel complete,” they say. Her older cousin has already treated her like a protective sibling.
Though her parents and grandmother are gone, she is not alone. The thoughtful support from her aunt, community and the government - every step of her future is secure.
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