“Little Hero, Big Heart”: 6-Year-Old Indian Boy Melts Hearts Worldwide After Trying to Save Chicken

In a time when the internet is often filled with noise, one young boy from India has managed to capture the world’s attention — not with fame or flashy stunts, but with pure, innocent compassion.

A Small Act of Kindness Goes Global

Six-year-old Derek C Lalchhanhima from Sairang, Mizoram, has become a global symbol of empathy after a photo of him holding a chicken and a 10-rupee note went viral. What’s the story behind it? Derek had accidentally run over his neighbor’s chicken while riding his bicycle. Instead of hiding or ignoring what happened, the little boy did what he thought was right — he picked up the injured chicken and ran straight to a nearby hospital, hoping someone could save it.

He brought with him all the money he had — just ₹10 — and asked for help. The moment was captured in a photo that was later posted on Facebook by a user named Sanga Says, and from there, it touched hearts across the globe. The post has been shared over 94,000 times, with more than 12,000 comments praising the boy’s honesty and innocence.

Recognized for His Courage

Derek’s school, St. Pio School in Sairang, later awarded him a certificate of appreciation for his heartfelt gesture. But the recognition didn’t stop there. He was also honored with the Tawlhloh Puan, a traditional Mizo award given to individuals who display extraordinary bravery and character.

Even Indian politician and author Shashi Tharoor shared the story, calling it “heartwarming” and urging others to spread the word.

“This story of the little boy who took a chicken to hospital with all the money he had deserves to be widely shared,” tweeted Tharoor.

Still Just a Boy

Despite becoming a viral sensation, Derek remains blissfully unaware of the fame surrounding him. His mother told the Indian Express that after receiving the award, people began calling him a celebrity. His response?

“Mom, what is a celebrity?”

Why It Matters

Derek’s story is a gentle reminder that compassion and integrity don’t need grand stages — sometimes, the smallest actions speak the loudest. In a world that often celebrates the bold, this little boy’s pure heart has reminded us what true humanity looks like.