A newborn was found alone by a lake in Deladva village in Surat on a freezing winter night. Six days old. Abandoned. What happened next transformed her story and showcased an extraordinary act of compassion by the Dindoli police.
The newborn girl, later named Hasti, did not just get rescued; she found warmth, care, and a sense of belonging thanks to a team of officers who went far beyond their routine duties.
Discovery on a Freezing Night
Residents of Deladva village were startled when they heard a baby crying near the lake. Acting swiftly, locals informed the police, recognising that any delay could be fatal for the tiny infant.
The Dindoli police rushed to the scene and found the baby girl alone, shivering but alive. Wrapped in a cloth and clearly distressed, she could have faced grave danger if not for the timely intervention.
The officer in charge said, “Even in the cold, she was smiling. That gave us hope that she would survive, but our priority was to ensure her immediate safety and medical attention.”
Immediate Care and Hospitalisation
The newborn was carefully taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was healthy and stable. Despite being abandoned, she had survived the harsh conditions of a winter night.
Medical staff conducted routine examinations and provided necessary care, while the police remained by her side, ensuring she was comforted and protected.
“This wasn’t just about taking a child to the hospital. It was about holding her hand, giving her warmth, and making sure she felt safe,” said a senior officer who oversaw the rescue.
A Name and a Ceremony – Hasti’s First Steps into Life
Once her medical needs were addressed, the Dindoli police went a step further. Inside the police station, the baby was given a name: Hasti, meaning “existence” or “being,” a symbolic gesture underscoring her right to life, identity, and dignity.
The officers organised a small welcoming ceremony for the newborn, marking her first introduction to the world in a safe and loving environment. The gesture, though simple, was deeply symbolic – affirming that every child deserves to feel cherished and secure.
“It was more than protocol. It was about showing her that she belongs, that she is loved, and that her life has value,” said a police official.
A Future Secured
Hasti’s care did not end with naming her. Recognising the need for long-term support, the Dindoli police are taking responsibility for her well-being. A bank account is being opened in her name to ensure her financial security, and officers have pledged to oversee her health and education.
Such steps are rare in cases of abandoned children, where temporary medical care and legal custody are often the only forms of intervention. By actively securing her future, the police have set a new standard for institutional responsibility.
Community and Institutional Support
The rescue highlighted the critical role of both the community and law enforcement. The villagers’ alertness saved Hasti’s life, while the police’s swift action ensured she received medical care and protection. This collaboration reflects the power of community vigilance and institutional commitment in safeguarding vulnerable lives.
Experts say that abandoned children often face a heightened risk of neglect, illness, and trauma. Early intervention, medical care, and emotional support, like what Hasti received, can change the trajectory of their lives.
Child rights advocates emphasise that acts like these also underscore the importance of broader social support systems – counselling for parents, awareness about institutional deliveries, and accessible healthcare for mothers in distress.
Setting an Example of True Service
The story of Hasti is resonating far beyond Surat. Citizens have praised the Dindoli police for going beyond the call of duty, demonstrating that law enforcement can combine professionalism with humanity.
“This is what true service looks like,” said a local resident. “It’s not just about following rules; it’s about compassion, care, and protecting the most vulnerable among us.”
The police themselves see Hasti’s rescue as a reminder of their social responsibility. “Every life is precious. Our job isn’t just to enforce the law; it’s to protect and nurture those who cannot protect themselves,” said a senior officer.
A Broader Reflection
While Hasti’s story has a happy ending, it also sheds light on the social realities that lead to child abandonment – fear of stigma, financial insecurity, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare.
Experts argue that systemic support for vulnerable parents, particularly mothers, can prevent such incidents. Public health outreach, counselling services, and community awareness campaigns play a crucial role in reducing the number of abandoned children.
Hasti’s journey – from a freezing winter night by the lake to a warm, secure environment with a name, a bank account, and a promise of care – is a testament to what coordinated action, compassion, and community vigilance can achieve.
It is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary acts of service are not in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments of care, protection, and love – holding a baby in your arms and telling her, “You belong here, and we will look after you.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Hasti’s story is a testament to what empathy, vigilance, and institutional responsibility can achieve.
At a time when incidents of child abandonment often make headlines, this instance highlights a more positive narrative – one where law enforcement acts as both guardian and caregiver.
