Suraj Prakash Vaid Honored with Inaugural Cheistha Kochhar Good Samaritan Award

Recognizing a Lifetime of Service to Road Accident Victims

New Delhi, India
In a heartfelt tribute to the memory of behavioral scientist Cheistha Kochhar, the Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research (C-DEP) awarded the inaugural Cheistha Kochhar Good Samaritan Award to Mr. Suraj Prakash Vaid, fondly known as “the man of the Golden Hour.”

A Life Dedicated to Saving Others

For over three decades, Mr. Vaid has been a silent guardian on Delhi’s roads, rushing accident victims to hospitals and performing critical tasks often ignored by bystanders. His contributions include:

• Transporting injured individuals to hospitals within the life-saving “Golden Hour.”
• Registering accident cases with the police.
• Appearing in courts as an eyewitness.
• Safeguarding victims’ belongings until their families arrived.

Mr. Vaid’s selfless actions have not only saved countless lives but have also set an inspiring example of how one individual can make a tangible difference in society.

A Fitting Tribute to Cheistha Kochhar

Lieutenant General Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Cheistha’s father, shared his sentiments during the award ceremony:
“Mr. Vaid’s work is a beacon of hope and service. This recognition is a true reflection of Cheistha’s values, who always worked for social betterment. Through this award, we hope to inspire others to embrace selfless service.”

Mr. Vaid’s Call to Action

While expressing his gratitude, Mr. Vaid urged society to adopt a culture of helping accident victims.
“This award is a testament to the importance of being a Good Samaritan. I hope more people step forward to support accident victims and create a more compassionate society.”

About the Award

The Cheistha Kochhar Good Samaritan Award is an annual honor aimed at recognizing outstanding contributions to society. It provides:

• Financial assistance.
• Resources for further initiatives.
• A platform to share inspiring stories of service.

The award was instituted to keep alive the legacy of Cheistha Kochhar, a young scholar from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Cheistha Kochhar: A Visionary Gone Too Soon

Cheistha’s untimely demise on March 19, 2024, in a tragic accident in London, left her family and peers in profound grief. She was pursuing her PhD in Philosophy at LSE, known for her dedication to social causes. Unfortunately, the investigation into her accident is still ongoing and is expected to conclude in May 2025.

Dr. S.P. Kochhar expressed his hopes for justice while continuing to honor his daughter’s legacy through this initiative.

Inspiring a Culture of Compassion

This award highlights the importance of Good Samaritans like Mr. Vaid, whose work has transformed countless lives. By recognizing his efforts, the Cheistha Kochhar Good Samaritan Award seeks to encourage individuals to come forward and contribute towards building a more empathetic and proactive society.