A Night in Noida: Assisting a Lost Boy Find His Way Home

Last night, while traveling with my friend from Sector 70 to Sector 18 in Noida on the elevated road, I encountered a 10-year-old boy named Prince, who appeared lost and confused. It was around 11:34 PM—an unusual time for a child to be alone. Concerned for his safety, I stopped my bike and asked him his name and where his home was. He seemed afraid but asked if I could drop him near the ISKCON Temple.

I decided to give him a lift, hoping to help him find his way home. As we talked, I became increasingly worried. Prince mentioned that he was taking a "night walk," which seemed odd given the late hour. Despite his initial calm demeanor, it was clear he was avoiding going home. Every time I asked where he lived, he directed me to different societies, none of which seemed to be his real home. His behavior was confusing and unsettling, as he repeatedly asked me to drop him at various locations instead of heading home.

After a while, Prince revealed the reason for his reluctance to return home. He had lost his father's Apple Watch and was terrified of being scolded and beaten. It broke my heart to see such fear in a young child. Despite my attempts to reassure him that I would speak to his father, and that everything would be alright, Prince kept avoiding the subject of his actual residence.

After nearly an hour of trying to convince him, I realized I needed more help. I spotted a PCR van and decided to involve the police, who could assist in locating his home. The policemen were grateful and took Prince into their care, assuring me they would help him find his way home safely thanks to Noida Police.

This incident raises important concerns about the challenges children face in metro cities like Noida. Whether Prince was dealing with mental illness, fear of parental punishment, or simply being afraid, the situation was alarming. In fast-paced urban environments, children like him can easily slip through the cracks.

Many children go missing or are kidnapped every day in bustling metro cities, and it’s essential that we remain vigilant. While cities like Noida offer great opportunities and attractions, they also pose real risks, especially to vulnerable children. This experience serves as a stark reminder that we should never ignore a child in distress. Parents must ensure their children know basic safety information, such as phone numbers or home addresses, to prevent situations like this.

We all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of our children, especially in crowded, fast-moving urban areas like Noida.