Neeraj, a 32‑year‑old construction worker known for his quick thinking, spotted an elderly man near Amritsar’s railway station on September 11, 2024, just as the pilgrim’s group was dispersing.
The 70‑year‑old, Chaman Lal, could only name his home village, Fatehgarh Gujran, and spoke solely in Punjabi, leaving Neeraj with little else to go on.
He turned to ChatGPT and other online databases, spending three days tracing the village’s coordinates, confirming its existence in Ludhiana district, and mapping a route back.
Instead of sending the elder home alone, Neeraj escorted him from Gaya to Machhiwara Sahib, where a local teacher, Master Krishan Lal, instantly recognized the pilgrim.
Within hours, Chaman Lal’s grandson, Sukhchain Singh, arrived, confirming the identity and thanking Neeraj personally for his care and perseverance.
The incident has sparked discussion about improved navigation aids for elderly pilgrims and highlighted how AI tools can save lives in urgent situations.