No good deed goes unnoticed – and 12-year-old Ashvin Gunasegaran, dubbed a hero for rushing to help drivers in an accident, has received an award for his gallant act.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) presented Ashvin with a Public Spiritedness Award today (June 2), in recognition of his efforts.
His story surfaced after his sister, Miss Laava Gunasegaran, shared his deed of kindness on Facebook on Tuesday (May 31).
Ashvin had been making his way home after remedial lessons that day, when he approached a busy junction. According to Miss Gunasegaran’s post, he was crossing the road when he heard a loud “boom” behind him.
When he saw that a car had crashed into another, he instinctively approached the two drivers, to check if they were all right.
When Ashvin learnt that one of the drivers was pregnant and bleeding, he ran to ask his friends to call for an ambulance.
“I wanted to ensure the victim was okay because she was crying and said she was in pain,” Ashvin told reporters after receiving the award. Relieved that the victim was all right, he said he was scared and praying hard for the accident not to be fatal.
Read also: Student takes action while adults take photos of accident
Ashvin’s story had also garnered much attention because it seems other people – including adults – who were present were busy taking photos and videos instead of helping.
Ashvin said he was disappointed no one helped.
The Yishun Primary pupil, however, did not expect to be called a hero for his actions.
“Ashvin’s heart of gold helped him move forward to render help,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Chua, commander of the Third SCDF Division.
He believes more Singaporeans will be inspired by Ashvin because of the awareness his kind act has created.
“He’s my hero in the house now,” said Ashvin’s mother, Ms Swares Helen Louisa, 50.
She said he regularly helps her out around the house but it was amazing that a 12-year-old boy like him rushed to help strangers without even hesitating.
She added that she was very excited to buy a copy of the paper when she found out he had made headlines.
Ashvin’s sister, Ms Gunasegaran, 25, says her little brother has been overwhelmed by the overnight fame. “I didn’t think this was going to be such a big deal because everyone does kind deeds,” she said.
The boy’s father, Mr A. Gunasegaran, 53, who works for the PUB as a technician, is very proud of his son, and even posted a copy of the newspaper on the bulletin board at work to show his colleagues.
For all the attention he has received, Ashvin has not let the fame get to his head.
He had this advice for members of the public who witness an accident.
“Don’t be shy to help,” he said.
Adults could learn a thing or two from this 12-year-old hero.
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