'India Has Won My Heart': Czech Republic Princess Itka Klet's Lost ₹22 Lakh Ring Recovered By Madhya Pradesh Tribals; Refuses ₹5 Lakh Reward Price
A heartwarming story unfolded in the tribal region of Tamia, Madhya Pradesh, where locals helped recover a precious engagement ring belonging to the Princess Itka Klet of the Royal family of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The ring, worth Rs 22 lakh, slipped off her finger while she was enjoying a bath at the Chota Mahadev waterfall, a scenic spot she visited during her stay in Chhindwara for Ayurvedic treatment.
What exactly happened?
Princess Itka, who had come to India for spinal treatment through Ayurvedic methods, had heard of Dr Tata's work and arrived in Chhindwara after learning about it on social media. During a break in her treatment, she chose to explore the natural beauty of Tamia and Patalkot.
According to the Navbharat Times report, while enjoying the refreshing waters of the Chota Mahadev waterfall, her engagement ring accidentally slipped from her finger and disappeared into the stream. After the incident, she and several nearby tourists tried everything to find the ring. Despite spending nearly six hours searching, their efforts yielded no results and with a heavy heart, the princess left the site and returned to Chhindwara.
Locals step in with determination
After learning about the incident, a local lemonade vendor named Manoj Vishwakarma decided to take charge. He reportedly called upon more than a dozen tribal youths from surrounding villages, who joined hands to help recover the lost ring.
As per the media report, the group tirelessly searched the stream for two days. They braved the cold water, filtered through sand and leaves, and sifted through waste with patience and perseverance. Eventually, their hard work paid off when the ring was found buried under layers of sand.
Overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the ring had been found, Princess Itka offered the tribal youths a reward of Rs 5 lakh. However, the group respectfully declined the generous amount. "You are our guests. We cannot put a price on your pain," they told her as per the report.
They only accepted Rs 41,000 as compensation for their physical effort over the two days.
'India has won my heart once again.'
Deeply touched by the gesture, the princess reportedly said, “India has won my heart once again. The people here are not just connected to the land, but also to the heart.” She added that though she had come to India for physical healing, it was the honesty and kindness of the people that truly healed her.
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