A plumber in Raigarh District has earned the title of “Good Samaritan” for his extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of an emergency
Team Clarion
BHOPAL – Waris Khan, an ordinary plumber from Beaura city in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh District, has now become a household name after displaying selfless bravery in saving the lives of seven people, including children, from an overturned car on AB Road Highway last week.
Khan’s heroics, once confined to his small town, have now spread across the state and even reached the residence of the state’s chief minister.
Khan, a 12-year veteran of municipal service who was dismissed from his temporary job as a plumber, faced numerous struggles to support his family. Despite working multiple odd jobs, including as a bus cleaner and labourer, his life changed dramatically one fateful morning.
On the morning of November 13, Khan was heading towards Banaganj from Beaura on his bike when he witnessed a devastating accident on the highway. The car, travelling from Shivpuri to Bhopal, had overturned due to brake failure and seven people were trapped inside as the vehicle’s doors got locked.
Without hesitation, Waris Khan parked his bike by the roadside and rushed to the overturned vehicle. Realising the urgency of the situation, Khan used his bare hands to break the car’s windows and began pulling the trapped victims to safety. He first rescued the children, followed by the women, and finally managed to extricate the men from the wreckage.
Khan’s act of courage was entirely selfless and done without any thought of personal gain. He did not have a smartphone, nor was he active on social media. Yet, despite the lack of any public appeal, his heroic actions quickly gained attention, reaching both the media and the local administration.
Khan’s bravery did not go unnoticed. After the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav personally called Khan to congratulate him over a video call. The chief minister praised Khan for his courage and humanity and promised to award him a prize of one lakh rupees. However, Waris Khan, with his humility, politely declined the reward and instead requested the chief minister to reinstate him in his old job at the municipality, which he had lost years ago.
Touched by his modesty, Chief Minister Yadav assured Khan that his request would be taken care of. In recognition of his actions, Khan was awarded the first district-level “Good Samaritan” award under a state scheme. Rajgarh Collector Dr Girish Kumar Mishra personally presented Khan with a check for Rs 5,000, applauding his selfless act.
Dr Mishra described Waris Khan’s actions as a shining example of true humanity. “What Waris Khan did is an example of courage and compassion without selfishness,” he said. “His work is a beacon for the entire society, and such individuals will continue to be encouraged in the future.”
Khan’s bravery is a stark reminder that true courage is not dependent on one’s social status, education, or financial background. His actions show that even an ordinary individual, with no formal training or resources, can become a hero in times of crisis. His story resonates with the message that helping others is the essence of true humanity.
Since the incident, Waris Khan has been continuously praised by the media, public institutions, and various private organisations, all of whom are eager to honour him for his bravery. His example has inspired many, proving that courage and humanity are not reserved for the privileged but can arise from the most unexpected places.
Through his selfless act, Waris Khan saved lives and sent a powerful message to society: that in times of difficulty, the common person can rise to become a hero. His story exemplifies the extraordinary potential of ordinary individuals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and reminds us that compassion and courage know no boundaries.
