Punjab Govt's Swift Intervention Ensures Timely Repatriation of Youth's Body from Canada to Ludhiana
“It also reflects the state government's proactive coordination with Indian missions abroad to support citizens in distress,” it added.
Punjab Govt’s Swift Intervention Ensures Timely Repatriation of Youth’s Body from Canada to Ludhiana
A timely intervention by Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for NRI Affairs, Sanjeev Arora, helped a Ludhiana family bring home the mortal remains of their 27-year-old son, Harnoor Singh, who tragically died in an accident in Canada, according to a press release by the Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab.
As per the release, Harnoor Singh was the son of prominent Ludhiana industrialist S. Gurcharan Singh. He lost his life on October 6 in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, when his motorcycle was struck by a truck driven by an allegedly intoxicated driver. The family faced significant challenges in navigating the repatriation process, which typically takes around two weeks.
The family reached out to Minister Sanjeev Arora through Badish Jindal, President of the World MSME Forum, seeking urgent assistance on the night of October 8 to expedite the arrangements for bringing Harnoor’s body back to India.
Additionally, Upkar Singh Ahuja, President of the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Ludhiana, also appealed to the minister on behalf of the family, emphasizing the need for swift action during their time of grief.
Minister Arora promptly acted on the appeals and wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking urgent assistance.
“The bereaved family is devastated and in an acute state of sorrow following this sudden tragedy. As the Cabinet Minister of NRI Affairs, Government of Punjab, earnestly request your urgent and compassionate intervention to ensure the repatriation of the mortal remains of Late Mr. Harnoor Singh to India at the earliest,” his letter to the MEA read, as quoted in the release.
The minister directly coordinated with the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the MEA to expedite the process. He also contacted officials overnight to ensure that Harnoor Singh’s mortal remains reached Ludhiana without further delay, the release stated.
Responding to Arora’s intervention, Consul Girish Juneja, cited in the release, wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic death of Mr Harnoor Singh. Our heart goes out to the bereaved family at this loss as we convey our heartfelt condolences. We have since contacted the next of kin and offered all possible help & assistance, as also the funeral home responsible for transportation of the mortal remains. The body will be released to the funeral home tomorrow by the coroner’s office… As soon as these are submitted to us, we will complete our formalities instantly.”
Following the minister’s request, the Indian Embassy in Canada coordinated with Canadian authorities to expedite the process. The embassy urged the Canadian government to fast-track the release, and once the death certificate was issued, the body was cleared for transport, the release said.
The swift coordination resulted in the timely repatriation of Harnoor Singh’s mortal remains to India. He was cremated in Ludhiana on Tuesday, allowing his family to perform the final rites as per Sikh traditions.
After the successful repatriation, Badish Jindal, President of the World MSME Forum, along with Narinder Bhamra, President of the Fasteners Manufacturers Association of India, and Ravi Miglani, President of the Ludhiana Wire Manufacturers
The association expressed its gratitude to Minister Sanjeev Arora for his immediate intervention and support to the bereaved family during their difficult time.
The episode, the release noted, underscores Punjab’s continued commitment to assisting NRIs and their families during crises under the leadership of AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
“It also reflects the state government’s proactive coordination with Indian missions abroad to support citizens in distress,” it added.
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