Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
A grieving family from Ludhiana was able to bring home the remains of their 27-year-old son, Harnoor Singh, who tragically passed away in Canada, following the timely intervention of Punjab's Cabinet Minister for NRI Affairs, Sanjeev Arora.
Harnoor Singh, the son of prominent Ludhiana industrialist Gurcharan Singh, lost his life on October 6 in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, when his motorcycle was struck by a truck driven by an intoxicated driver. The family, devastated by the loss, faced significant challenges in navigating the repatriation process, which typically spans about two weeks.
Seeking urgent support, the family reached out to Minister Sanjeev Arora through Badish Jindal, President of the World MSME Forum, on the night of October 8, requesting expedited arrangements to bring Harnoor’s body back to India.
Additionally, Upkar Singh Ahuja, President of the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Ludhiana, appealed to the minister on the family’s behalf, emphasizing the need for swift action during their time of sorrow.
Acting promptly, Minister Arora wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking urgent assistance. In his letter, the minister stated, “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.”
The minister coordinated directly 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 could be returned to Ludhiana without further delay.
Responding to Arora’s intervention, Consul Girish Juneja wrote back, “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.”
After the request, the Indian Embassy in Canada coordinated with the Canadian authorities to expedite the process. The embassy requested the Canadian Government for a fast-track release, and immediately after the Government of Canada issued the death certificate, the body was cleared for transport.
Thanks to this swift coordination, Harnoor Singh’s mortal remains were flown back to India and 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 Association, expressed gratitude to Minister Sanjeev Arora for his immediate intervention and support to the bereaved family during their difficult time.
The episode underscores Punjab’s continued commitment to assisting NRIs and their families during crises under the leadership of Hon'ble AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Hon'ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. It also reflects the state government’s proactive coordination with Indian missions abroad to support citizens in distress.