‘Feeling of oneness took me to Uttrakhand’

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.