Millions viewed the chilling moment when Saurish Verma’s pram rolled under a train. Six months on, Jill Fraser helps celebrate his first birthday.
Birthday boy Saurish Verma wobbles around the room excitedly, taking tentative steps towards his pile of new toys and looking up at the brightly coloured balloons in amazement.
For his mum Shweta and dad Ankush, this first birthday holds special significance. It’s a milestone Saurish might never have reached.
Last October, Saurish’s pram rolled down the platform of Melbourne’s Ashburton railway station and under a moving train.
Caught on video, millions of YouTube and TV viewers watched Shweta run after the pram, screaming as she thought her baby had been killed.
Wedged in the undercarriage of the train, Saurish’s pram was pulled along the tracks for 30 metres before 18-year-old schoolboy Aaron Dryden risked his own life by jumping on to the tracks to assist Saurish.
Miraculously, six-month-old Saurish was unscathed, strapped tightly into his pram and suffering just a few bruises.
Watch the news reports from October last year, as people set out to find unsung hero Aaron Dryden.
But Saurish’s birthday isn’t about “what ifs”. It’s about the family celebrating their boy.
“It is his first party, with just close friends and family,” says Shweta, who also invited Woman’s Day along for the special event. “There is much love and everyone is giving great thanks to God for his life.”
Saurish certainly enjoys the occasion too.
“He slept soundly before his guests arrived and his tummy is full, so he is a contented little boy,” Shweta smiles fondly. “He has played with his new toys and really lapped up all the attention.”
Aaron, who has kept in touch with the family since he rescued Saurish, was guest of honour at the party. Known as “Uncle Aaron”, the Year 12 student believes he will always be part of Saurish’s life.
For the full story see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale May 10, 2010.
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