When Archana, an policewoman in Bangalore, India, heard the cries of an abandoned newborn on June 2, she was immediately moved.
“I just couldn't bear it," Archana told the BBC. "I felt like my child was crying and I had to feed the baby."
For 30 minutes, Archana, who recently gave birth to a son of her own, breastfed the baby, according to fellow officer, Nagesh R.
Take Action: Speak out for women's health! Support maternal health and family planning
Archana and her fellow officers were called to the scene after a shopkeeper notified authorities about an abandoned newborn near a construction site, the BBC reported. The baby — who has since been dubbed “little Kumaraswamy” after the head of the state of Karnataka — was found in a plastic bag in the technology industry hub of Bangalore known as “Electronics City,” according to the Hindustan Times.
“Little Kumaraswamy” was reportedly in bad shape when the officers found him, and Archana’s kind act may have helped to save him.
“We were really scared for his life,” Nagesh told the News Minute. “He wasn’t making any noise or crying and we were quite helpless then.”
Read more: An 8-Month-Old Baby Was Reportedly Raped by Her 28-Year-Old Cousin in India
But the baby seemed to come to life after Archana nursed him. “The baby let out a big cry,” Nagesh told CNN. “The body was shaking — hands and legs. Everybody got so happy."
And now many people, including the Indian Police Service Association, are celebrating her simple, heroic act on social media.
Archana you're an icon & given a new moment of pride to Indian Police. By breastfeeding an abandoned baby in #Bengaluru, you've not only displayed exemplary compassion, but also inspired millions to respect human lives. #SaluteYouArchana@BlrCityPolicehttps://t.co/NFWQZjvW8r
— IPS Association (@IPS_Association) June 6, 2018
We salute our COP Smt. Archana, @BlrCityPolice ,for her kind motherhood affection of breastfeeding and rescuing an abandoned infant, while in her maternity.
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) June 6, 2018
ಎರಡಕ್ಷರದ ಮಹಾ ಕಾವ್ಯ “ಅಮ್ಮ”
ಮೂರಕ್ಷರದ ಮಹಾ ಚೈತನ್ಯ “ಪೊಲೀಸ್” https://t.co/PF84tt91Yvpic.twitter.com/cwUA0dAuAm
I read the report in @the_hindu about the rescued baby, I am deeply moved by the incident. I will be shortly meeting the police constable, a great mother, who nursed the little one to life, to express my heartfelt gratitude.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) June 6, 2018
Sir, Our heartiest congratulations to This Good Wmn Police Constable Who Came fwd to Save this baby & Now the baby is Govt baby under thr Good Human monitoring they all Success to Save a Life. Really it's a Good quality of Social welfare Works. All the best to this police team.
— Nandalal Saha (@nandlala559) June 5, 2018
Hats off to this great lady! We are all proud of your compassion for this abandoned baby! Because of these selfless individuals our mother india still gets monsoon n rain in time n feeds our 1.3 billion population without any major issues! Your service is next to godliness!
— Nanda kumar (@nandus1960) June 6, 2018
This woman redefines the job of a cop. As only #women can. #India#Police#CompassionInAction#Bangalore
— Pandiyan Vairamani (@pandiyanv) June 6, 2018
India policewoman praised for breastfeeding abandoned baby https://t.co/MuguKB7zfd
“Little Kumaraswamy” is now in a government child care center and an abandonment complaint has been registered.
However, his story is not unique. Hundreds of babies are abandoned in India every year, and the overwhelming majority of them are girls.
Prevalent social attitudes in India re-emphasize the idea that girls less valuable than boys and present a greater economic and social burden on families than their potential to achieve. These beliefs have contributed to higher rates of abandoned female babies, sex-selective abortion, and female infanticide, according to the nonprofit SOS Children’s Villages.
Global Citizen campaigns to support gender equality and to protect girls and women from all forms of discrimination. You can take action here to help empower girls and women everywhere.