In this heartwarming and deeply moving episode of “The Alpha People”, we sit down with Pargat Singh, a man who has dedicated his life to an extraordinary and selfless mission: saving lives and reuniting families with the bodies of their loved ones. Over the past 24 years, Pargat Singh has become a local hero, known as the “Guardian of the Rivers.” His tireless efforts have led to the rescue of over 3,500 people and the recovery of more than 17,000 bodies from rivers across Punjab, Haryana, and neighboring regions.
The podcast explores Pargat’s personal journey, starting with how he first got involved in this noble cause. From a small act of kindness on the banks of a river, where he helped recover a body, Pargat found his life’s calling. Despite coming from a modest background and facing opposition from his own family, he remained committed to serving humanity, driven by a sense of duty and compassion.
Pargat shares the emotional toll that comes with his work. From tragic suicides to horrifying accidents, his daily encounters with death have shaped his view of life, and he speaks candidly about the challenges he faces when pulling bodies from the water—sometimes days or weeks after they’ve gone missing. He also reflects on the joy of saving lives and the immense gratitude he receives from families when their loved ones are brought home, alive or for the last time.
In the podcast, we discuss not only his remarkable achievements but also the realities of his work. Pargat explains the dangers of working in treacherous rivers, the challenges of dealing with the police, and how the support from his village and people across the country has kept him going. We also explore the painful realities of societal issues such as family conflicts and property disputes that sometimes lead to tragic ends, and how Pargat has seen the worst of it in his years of rescuing and recovering bodies.
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the importance of mental health, particularly among young people. Pargat makes a heartfelt plea to the youth to value their lives and stay close to their families, sharing how he has witnessed far too many young lives lost to suicide. He emphasizes that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always hope, and that one should never give up on the chance to live and love.
Looking ahead, Pargat Singh reveals his plans to formalize his efforts by starting an NGO, which will allow him to better organize and expand his life-saving work. He shares his vision for the future, where more people can join his mission, and where communities across the country can come together to prevent tragedies and save lives. He also expresses his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey, including the help he received after a personal accident in 2018 that nearly cost him his life.
This episode is more than just a story of one man’s dedication to rescuing people from rivers. It’s a story of humanity, courage, and the importance of never losing faith in the goodness of people. Pargat Singh’s journey reminds us that even in the face of death, there is hope, and that one person’s actions can have a profound impact on countless lives.
Join us as we delve into the inspiring life of Pargat Singh, a true humanitarian whose mission is to save lives and bring peace to families in their darkest moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Here are the best Q&A excerpts from the conversation, written in third person and with "Pargat Singh" removed from the As:
My message to young people is to stay away from dangerous areas like rivers and ponds. Don’t risk your life for a moment of thrill. Most importantly, value your life and respect your parents. No matter how difficult life gets, suicide is never the answer. Keep fighting for life and for the love of your family.