Brave boy – braving life with cheer!

Notes from a recent weekend getaway

A sudden flash flood had the Kadem stream in spate at the Kuntala waterfalls in Neredigonda Mandal of Adilabad on July 29, 2001. Tragedy struck a group of picnickers from Bellampalli town, catching them unaware. As the surging water washed away six people in the flash flood, there were many more stranded on the hillock, facing imminent death with the water level swelling. The brave act of a teenage fisherman swimmer who swung into action and saved many lives made headlines that year.

Kuntala waterfall at its best

On a recent weekend getaway to Jannaram Forest in Telangana, to experience the wildlife in the Kawal Reserve, a group of 5 of us from Hyderabad decided to take a detour from NH 44 at Nirmal and see a few waterfalls. Our first stop, the deserted Pochera waterfalls nestled in monkey infested ravine was a delight to watch. However, the waterfall itself was just like standing under the shower, the natural rock formations around chiselled by the gushing water at its best flow, were the only saving grace.

Our next stop was Kuntala falls. One of the star attractions for tourists from Hyderabad for its quantum of water that cascades down the stony face. Many a social media post is made beautiful by the proud pics of standing under the silvery waterfall. The expectation and the experience, however, were in stark contrast. In spite of a prolonged monsoon in 2019, the waterfall was a big let-down, there was hardly much to rave about, leave alone taking pictures.

There was something more to take back from the visit to Kuntala. One of our team members told us about meeting a young national bravery award winner years ago and how he saved many lives from drowning in the flooded Kadem stream. At the foot of the climb towards the hillock abutting the Kuntala waterfalls are a few shops selling snacks to tourists. Manning one of them is a non-descript bearded 35-year-old selling Tea, snacks, cold drinks and more.

My friend recognised him immediately as Putta Somanna, the man who shot into news almost two decades ago as a teenage bravery award winner. We asked him about the unfortunate day of July 2019 and how he rescued people from the floods. He recollected the events of that day.

Putta Somanna recieving the National Bravery Award 2001
from Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri AB Vajpayee. 

As the surging water washed away six people in the flash flood, there were many more stranded on the hillock, facing imminent death with the water level swelling. The young 16-year-old Somanna swung into action swimming across the dangerously gushing water and saved six lives, including three from a family of picnickers from Bellampalli. In a 6-hour rescue act, he ensured that the tourists caught in the floods were safe at the far side of the waterfall. With the arrival of villagers, police and forest dept officials, the rescue of the stranded people was accomplished. Later news spread of the selfless, brave act of Putta Somanna and he was recommended for the national bravery award 2001. He was awarded the National Bravery Award in 2002.

2001 Bravery Award winners with the President

Somanna showed us his proud album of photos, clicked during the award ceremony on January 26, 2002. Pictures with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, President KR Narayanan, Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu and many national and regional leaders were part of his album collection.

The young teenager did not bask in the laurels of the national award and went on to make a livelihood at Kuntala. Now married, Somanna runs the shop that not only sells wares for the tourists but also doubles as swimmer rescuer and a tourist guide, who knows the place like the back of his palm.  

With the real-life hero Putta Somanna on 02.02.2020

The picturesque waterfall at Kuntala, with its beautiful surroundings nestled in the dense forest, brings lots of visitors from across Telangana and nearby Maharashtra. There are many beautiful memories to carry back in the form of pictures clicked for social media bragging. Sometime next when you visit this place, pay a visit to Putta Somanna and have tea at his quaint shop.

This brave teenager-turned-young entrepreneur is braving odds and making a decent livelihood. Sometimes spending time hearing to their stories of courage brings cheer to them.

Meet real-life heroes for once!

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Pics Courtesy: Putta Somanna, Internet