Bedside reunion for Sikh, injured boy

GOOD SAMARITAN: Harman Singh meets Daejon Pahia, 6, after coming to his rescue on Friday (inset).

The Sikh man who took off his turban to cradle the bleeding head of a young Auckland boy hit by a car has met the 6-year-old at his hospital bedside.

Harman Singh, 22, rushed to the aid of Daejon Pahia when he was struck by a 4x4 vehicle near Takanini School on Friday.

A photo of the incident, where Mr Singh is cradling Daejon's bleeding head with his turban, has gained worldwide attention as he is credited with putting humanity before religious rules that forbid the removal of turbans in public.

Mr Singh took gifts to Daejon and his family at Starship Children's Hospital yesterday. They presented Mr Singh with a bouquet of flowers and a thank you card.

Daejon, who had surgery for a fractured skull, 12 deep head wounds and a lacerated kidney after being hit by the car, was expected to be released from hospital by the end of the week.

He said "thank you" to Mr Singh, and his parents Elijah and Shiralee hugged and shook Mr Singh's hand.

Mr Singh said Daejon was a "fighter".

"He's a good a person, a brave boy and a good fighter."

He recognised him and his mother, who was at the accident scene, straight away.

"I noticed his head injuries, on the road it was really bad."

Yesterday, Daejon had some scratches and bruising to his head and face, but was talking and playing with his siblings and an array of toys.

Mrs Pahia said Daejon had told her what to write in Mr Singh's card.

"He wanted to write his own card in his own writing but he was sore yesterday, but he was telling me what he wanted to say, 'Thank you for saving me'. You wouldn't expect a 6-year-old to say that."

Mr Singh's actions have been praised around the world as an incredibly symbolic act of humanity.

He was also recognised by the national Sikh community for his bravery.

However, he did not believe his actions were heroic and said he did what anyone in his position would have.

NZME.