Nikhil Kumar has become a hero for his impressive skills. So far, he has rescued over 650 serpents from dangerous situations in his Athani village.
Witnessing a snake up close can be a terrifying experience for many, due to their unpredictable and life-threatening nature. But for Nikil Kumar Mahadev Kambale, a resident of Belagavi, Karnataka, saving snakes has become his passion. This young hero’s fascination with the reptiles began when he was just 14 years old. During that time, unlike other kids, he came forward to safely rescue and release a snake he found at school. Now, at 24, Nikil has become a local hero for his impressive skills and so far, he has rescued over 650 serpents from dangerous situations in his Athani village. Known locally as ‘Snake Nikhil Kumar,’ his impressive record includes saving various venomous species, such as cobras and pit vipers.
Among all the species, Nikil, a student from Siddhartha Colony and a diploma student at JBM Polytechnic College in Terdal, Bagalkot district, has a special interest in rescuing cobras. Son of a BSF soldier, the youngster has become an expert in catching snakes. Interestingly, he not only catches these reptiles with great skill and precision but Nikil also ensures they are safely released back into the wild. For his dedicated work, Nikil has earned admiration for his rescue missions in his community.
Nikhil Kumar Mahadev Kambale isn’t the only young hero making headlines for rescuing animals. In Guwahati, 16-year-old Saiyam Mazumder was awarded for caring for stray animals. As per reports, Saiyam was the only individual from Assam this year, among 19 children who was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his work. His journey began when he was 7 years old, with guidance from his mentor, Shourabh Kant Mishra, the young boy started rescuing snakes and also earned the title of India’s youngest snake rescuer at the age of 12.
In a conversation with Times of India, the boy said, “I have been rescuing the animals since I was 10 years of age. Whenever I see stray dogs deprived of food and shelter, I rescue them with the help of local people in the respective areas and provide the dogs with the necessary treatment. For that, I have to take monetary assistance from my parents and sometimes collect the money from the locals. Although many people do not help, there are a few who come forward and help. After recovering, the dogs are again released in their original habitat.”
Saiyam Mazumder was given Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President of India Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 22nd January.
