Pargat Singh
The River Guardian of Punjab
Pargat Singh was born and raised in a small village on the banks of a river, somewhere in Punjab, India. His early life was modest, shaped by the rural lifestyle that revolved around the rivers and fields. He wasn’t particularly interested in academics during his childhood, and his family, including his father, often discouraged him from pursuing studies. As a result, he grew up immersed in nature, spending his time near the rivers, tending to animals, and engaging in activities that were part of village life. This deep connection to the water would later play a significant role in his life’s mission.
Pargat Singh’s journey of service began almost by accident. One day, while sitting by a riverbank, he witnessed a family struggling to recover the body of a deceased loved one from the water. Feeling an innate sense of responsibility, he jumped in to help.
FFor over 24 years, Pargat Singh has devoted his life to what many would consider a harrowing and difficult task. His mission is twofold: to save the lives of those who accidentally fall into rivers or attempt suicide, and to recover the bodies of those who have tragically died. His work, however, goes beyond mere rescue operations. He provides families with closure by returning the bodies of their loved ones, allowing them to perform last rites and find peace in their grief.
Pargat Singh has saved over 3,500 lives and recovered more than 17,000 bodies from the waters. He works tirelessly, sometimes diving into fast-flowing rivers with little regard for his own safety. His work is not limited to any one region, as he has operated in rivers across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and even Delhi. Without the support of the government or administration, Pargat has continued his mission solely out of compassion, relying on his own determination and the occasional help from his community.
One of the key challenges he faces is dealing with the physical and emotional toll of retrieving bodies that have been in the water for extended periods. The state of the bodies, often unrecognizable and decayed, can be distressing even for someone as experienced as Pargat. Despite this, he continues his work with unwavering dedication, believing it to be his life’s mission, bestowed upon him by God.
Pargat Singh’s work was not always well-received by his family. In the early years, his family and friends were skeptical and concerned about the dangerous nature of his mission. They questioned his choice to devote his life to recovering dead bodies, seeing it as grim and unnecessary. However, Pargat remained committed, driven by a higher purpose that he believed was his calling. Over time, as his work gained recognition and respect from the wider community, his family also came to support his efforts.
In 2018, Pargat Singh experienced a major setback. While traveling with his wife, he was involved in a serious accident that left him unconscious for two days. The accident was widely publicized on social media, leading to an outpouring of support from people all over the region. Within two days, well-wishers helped raise ₹14-15 lakhs for his treatment. Despite the physical and emotional trauma of the accident, Pargat recovered and resumed his work, grateful for the love and support he received during that difficult time.
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