We've been told time and again that courage and bravery are virtues we must all strive to imbibe in our lives in order to stand up for ourselves and for those who can't. However, of late, India has seen its people turn a blind eye to situations and incidents that require us to intervene and make a noise, the fear of life or getting consumed in a never-ending matter of law, isn't something they're looking forward to, they say. 

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But do you recall the Sikh cop in the image above? Earlier in May, this Uttarakhand cop became an internet sensation after he stopped a lynch mob from “punishing” and taking away a Muslim youth's life based on foolish trepidations that “provoked” the Hindu mob to take the matter in their own hands.

For those of you who aren't aware, Uttarakhand cop Gagandeep Singh showed commendable courage when he single-handedly prevented a lynch mob from harming a Muslim youth in a Hindu temple in May earlier this year.

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The story goes that the Muslim young man was present in the temple to meet up with his Hindu girlfriend and he caught the eyes of some other visitors present in the temple who charged at him with slaps and blows. The situation worsened within minutes and a mob gathered to “bring the youngman to justice”.

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It was at this point that Gagandeep intervened and stopped the mob from taking away the boy's life - all by the power of sheer will and determination to not make a man suffer for his choice to love someone who didn't belong to the same religion as his.

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Yesterday the state police rewarded Gagandeep Singh with a medallion for his bravery and act of selflessness that not only upheld the oath he took as a Policeman on duty but also help the pillars of humanity high, by exhibiting thoughtfulness and prompt action in a time of crisis.

Sub-Inspector Gagandeep Singh awarded with a medal for his bravery in stopping a mob lynching.

Truly a well deserved medal!

India is honored to have police officers like him ð pic.twitter.com/iuv9nuRxSM

Gagandeep Singh has come through as a ray of hope for the dying sense of humanity in our society and this award is well-deserved for his act of extending support and protection to a fellow citizen who has the right to follow his heart and not be punished for it.