The twin feeling of integrity and determination motivated 27
year-old model-turned social worker, Sukhjinder Singh to risk his life to
rescue thousands of stranded pilgrims during Uttrakhand catastrophe last year.
He was reportedly the first civilian to reach the site of calamity along with
Indian Army, thus bargaining President Award for himself. Despite shining name
of Jammu and Kashmir, young social activist remained unsung hero among his own
people. In a crispy talk with PS Bali, Sukhjinder Singh revealed some excited
moments while on rescue mission.
Excerpts…
Q: What motivated you
to take such a dangerous step?
Singh: First of all, whatever happened was as per wish of
the god. It was He (God) who guided and chose me for this cause. Somebody had
to had their, if not me. I am lucky that god choose me for this adventurous
task. Actually it was feeling of oneness which took me to Uttrakhand. Some days
back my mother was insisting me to take her to Hemkund Sahib, but due to some
reasons we had to postpone the programme. When I reached back Chandigarh for
modeling and theatre, I heard about this catastrophe. It was an instant
decision from me that I will go to the place for rescuing people, as I found it
my moral duty to help those stranded. During the course of this task I always
kept it in my mind that my mother is also stranded, which gave me more
determination.
Q: How did you reach the place of calamity being a civilian?
Singh: I am thankful to IGP Punjab Gautam Cheema, who
ascertained my request of taking this challenge as a volunteer. On the first
day of calamity, I approached IGP and showed eagerness to join them in this
task. At first he was reluctant to take any civilian for this risky job, but owing
to my continue requests and enthusiasm he agreed and allowed me to be part of
rescue team.
Q: What was more challenging during this whole mission?
Singh: Since from entertaining name for volunteer rescuer to
coming back safely was all challenging. But yes crossing Alaknanda was deadly
among all. The task was to reach other end of the mountain without any bridge
or path, which was eroded due to heavy landslides and floods. We have to use a
strong stick about five or six feet in length as support, to cross the
ferocious tides of river.
Q: How did you rescue stranded people without any administrative
machinery assistance?
Singh: It was next to impossible for administration to
execute machinery systematically across the Alaknanda, where huge numbers of
pilgrims were stranded. Our job was to rescue stranded people upto a certain
place, from where pilgrims were escorted by administration and Army.
Q: Did you learn mountaineering and other important things
necessary for rescue operations?
Singh: Definitely yes, I learnt all basic things of rescue
operation, including mountaineering from RN Singh. It is not possible for
amateur to do this task as such job requires meticulous execution and slight
lackadaisical attitude costs nothing less than a life.
Q What was the first reaction of people on seeing you?
Singh: When we reached the place where people were stranded,
they jumped and hugged us with joy and many started kissing our hands. It is
worth sharing incident, I was carrying a woman of around 80-90 kgs and it was
difficult path to walk on, but somehow I managed to get her on the other side.
On reaching other side, she started kissing me on my forehead and gave huge
blessings, which made me cry at that moment, as I took this journey thinking
about my mother.
Q: Did this experience affect you in any way?
Singh: Frankly speaking, I am feeling more mature and
responsible. It provided me more perspectives of looking at life. Now I am more
ambitious towards my goals. This is the most unforgettable moment of my life
and it changed my way of thinking.
Q: As you are model and actor, do you think risking your
life will help you reach somewhere?
Singh: As I earlier said, I did it out of moral
responsibility and nothing else. But, yes I am also sure that my honest effort
will pay me in my career.
Q: We heard that you are nominated for President Award, did
you receive any other appreciation?
Singh: Yes, my name is nominated for President Award and I
am excited for it. After finishing job successfully we had been told that this
mission will pay us huge fame, but nothing turned as cozy as it was thought of.
Besides certificate of appreciation from Punjab government I have received no appreciation,
not even from my home state, which hurt me.
Q What are your
future plans? Do you want to further this kind of social works or you will
concentrate of modeling and acting?
Singh: Though modeling and Acting is what I have to do for
livelihood, but apart from it I am always ready to help others. I am also
planning to constitute a group of volunteers, who will work tirelessly for
disaster inflicted people and also for those in need of such help. I welcome
all to join me in this effort.
Q: Did state government honour you in any way?
Singh: At first instance, I don’t think J&K state
government might know about it. This is the first media interaction I am having
since that episode, so it is quite obvious state government would be unaware
about me. But it is unfortunate that despite showing certificate of
appreciation to many bureaucrats and ministers, I got no admiration from their
side.
Q: Do you think your being Sikh hinders your progress and
fame?
Singh: Initially, I had this feeling that being Sikh in
state of Jammu and Kashmir is crime in itself, because you are always treated
as second class citizens, which hinders your progress. But now I feel I was
wrong, as being Sikh is in itself a pride and you cannot expect materialistic
fame for natural fame, which guru ji’s has bestowed upon us. I am working on
his (God) name and will always work with same attitude, no matter whether I reach
my aims or not.
