Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): A family in Punjab’s Amritsar district has been left heartbroken after a 24-year-old man, who had travelled to Slovakia in pursuit of employment, reportedly lost his life in a drowning incident. The tragedy has cast a shadow over a household that was eagerly preparing for a wedding later this year.
Gursevak Singh, a resident of the Ajnala subdivision, had moved to Slovakia around eight months ago on a work permit. Family members said he had taken the step to support his parents financially and repay debts incurred for his overseas journey.
The devastating news reached the family through Gursevak’s friends abroad, who informed them about the drowning incident. Authorities are yet to disclose detailed circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
His mother recalled that she had spoken to him shortly before the incident. During the conversation, Gursevak reportedly told her he had completed a demanding 12-hour work shift and was too exhausted to cook. He said he would eat outside before speaking to the family again later. That promised call never came.
The incident has deeply affected the family, especially as preparations were already underway for the marriage of Gursevak’s elder brother, scheduled for the end of December. Relatives said what was meant to be a year of celebration has instead turned into one of unimaginable grief.
His father appealed to both the Punjab and Central governments, as well as Indian diplomatic authorities in Slovakia, to help expedite the process of bringing his son’s mortal remains back to India. He said the family wants to perform Gursevak’s final rites in his native village according to traditional customs.
The father also revealed that the family had arranged funds through loans to send Gursevak abroad, hoping he would secure a stable future. With only a small portion of the debt repaid, the family now faces both emotional and financial hardship.
Residents of the village have extended support to the bereaved family and urged the authorities to provide immediate assistance in repatriating the body. The incident has once again highlighted the emotional toll faced by families whose loved ones travel overseas in search of better livelihoods.
