In a heart-touching moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met 11-month-old Neetika, the sole survivor of a tragic cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. Neetika’s parents and grandmother lost their lives in the disaster, which struck Talwara village on June 30.

The PM, visibly moved by the young girl’s plight, gently touched her cheeks and offered her toffees during the meeting in Kangra, a photograph of which soon went viral on social media.

The devastating cloudburst caused severe damage in the region, and Neetika’s father, 31-year-old Ramesh Kumar, had gone out to prevent water from entering their house but was later found dead under debris. His wife, Radha Devi (24), and mother, Purnu Devi (59), also ventured out to search for him but never returned.

The infant was found crying by a neighbor, Prem Singh, who took her in and informed Ramesh’s cousin, Balwant, who then became her guardian. Balwant shared that Neetika’s aunt, Kirna Devi, is raising her in a village that offers a good environment for education. Neetika is also expected to join Sainik School in class 6.

The Himachal Pradesh government has declared Neetika a “Child of the State,” committing to support her upbringing, education, and career. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi assured that the state would cover all of her future expenses, whether she pursues a career in medicine, engineering, or any other field she desires.

Earlier, the administration opened a bank account in Neetika’s name to receive contributions for her welfare.

Ramesh Kumar, who had lost his own father when he was only six months old, worked as a farmer, while his family relied mainly on the income of Purnu Devi, a peon in a government school, who was about to retire soon.

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