India, Feb. 25 -- On the morning of February 2, 2026, Kanchan Bai Meghwal arrived early at the anganwadi centre (AWC) in Neemuch district's Ranpur village in Madhya Pradesh. Her self-help group, of which she was president, was in charge of preparing midday meals for the children at the AWC and it was her turn to cook that day.

While working, she saw a swarm of bees heading towards the children. Instinctively, Meghwal rushed out and shielded the children with tarpaulin sheets while positioning herself in front of them and facing the brunt of the attack. While this courageous act saved 20 children, the innumerable bee stings she suffered in the process proved fatal.

Some months prior to this incident, in the neighbouring state of Odisha, ...