The 22-year-old young Sikh boy, who was not only praised by New Zealanders but also different communities worldwide, doesn’t think that he is a ‘hero amongst us’. He never thought that his obvious act of helping someone in need would have him all over the news.
Recently Harmanpreet Singh received an award in appreciation and recognition of his “outstanding compassion and empathy”, from Counties Manukau Police. He was hailed as a hero, as he put humanity before his religion when he removed his turban to help the bleeding 6-year-old Daejon Pahia, who was hit by a car in Takanini in May 2015.
Harman while talking about the incident, explains that it was about 8:45 in the morning, when he heard the screeching sound of tyres outside his home. He says that probably God had already chosen him to be there at that time because generally it would be his working day but he had got his shift exchanged with another staff member. He was snoozing but was woken out of his slumber with the sound he heard. Ashe peeked through the window and saw a couple of cars and some people gathered around.
“My friend and I rushed to the spot. I still remember the scene. A small kid was lying on the road. His head was wounded and he was bleeding profusely. A lady, whose car had hit the kid, was holding him,” Harman says.
“My hands were shaking and for a moment I stood still, not knowing what to do,” he continues. “I asked the woman if she had called the emergency, which she had.”
“The boy was in a lot of pain. I sat beside him. I was so scared, I couldn’t think of anything else. I just thought of the Dastaar(turban) that I was wearing. I just removed it hastily and put it under his head from where he was bleeding. I just made sure that his head doesn’t touch the ground.”
Medical services arrived in 5-10 minutes and Daejon was taken to the hospital.
Harman says that he didn’t, for a second, think that he would disregard his turban which is a symbol of his religion. He says that Sikhism teaches us to help others, as humanity is the biggest religion of all.
Harman’s heroic act has got praises not just to him but also for his family and the community. He mentions that his family hails from a small village near Ludhiana city, of Punjab, was recognised for his act by the village council.The family got to know about the news from the local newspapers as it was already all over social media and other mainstream media.
A real estate professional from Auckland, took his picture while he was holding the injured boy and shared it on social media. The post was shared by hundreds and thousandsof people all over the world. The news made headlines in different countries.
Harman says that at that time he would receive almost 20 friend requests on Facebook every hour. His friend list went from 200 friends to 1500 during that time. People from various countries and ethnicities still send him messages praising and encouraging him and his act of kindness.
He has been interviewed by many media and has always said that he doesn’t think of himself as a hero. “I am just a normal person. I am privileged that I was the chosen one,” he humbly says.
People now recognise him when they see him. Many ask him for a picture with them. Some of his friends also thought that he would have been taking money for all those interviews with various media houses.
“I was interviewed by various media including the daily Post UK. Their photographer visited me. But I havenever taken any money. Why would I? I am just a normal person. I am not like some celebrity that I don’t have free time. I am always happy to talk to people.”
But he agrees that his friends do tease him that he has now become a celebrity after being in the news all over the world. Yet, there’s no change in any of his friends’ behaviour but they do feel proud to be his friends.
This one incident has not just improved Harman’s life in New Zealand but also has given the world a reason to believe that Sikhism teaches you to work for the betterment of humanity. “I have received several messages from Sikhs that earlier people would considered as Muslims and some even considered them as terrorist but this incident has now changed the way Sikhs are seen,” Harman mentions.
“There’s a need to make people aware about our religion. I wish to do something in future that can help people understand the true meaning of Sikhism and it’s values and principles.”
When the news of Harman removing his turban was quite hot, an immigration lawyer from the community started a debate that Harman should be given Permanent Residency in New Zealand considering his admirable act. However Harman believes that it was that person’s thought and he himself wasn’t in its favour. Amid the mixed responses from the community, the debate wasn’t discussed any further.
Harman in real life:
Harman is a very “common” Punjabi boy in his real life who loves “aaloo de praanthe”(potato stuffed Indian bread), love watching and playing cricket, loves his family and wants to make them happy. He came to New Zealand to financially help his family back in India. Harman is the youngest one of his two siblings; a brother and a sister. His father died last year and his mother is living in India with her eldest son and daughter in law.
Harman, sharing his mischievous childhood, says, “I used to create troubles for my sister. Also whenever I got in trouble, I would blame it on my brother and he would always be the one who got a growlingfrom my Papa.”
Receiving an appreciation award from the police was very special and proud moment for Harman. He wishes that everyone should do their bit of kindness whenever and wherever they get a chance. He also urged others from the community not to get involved in negative acts.
“If I did my bit of goodness, somebody else from my community did the opposite of it. I would just like to say that it takes a single act to tarnish the reputation that has been built by the efforts of thousands doing good work.”
True it is! Someone once told me, that when you want to do an act of good , do it like you are going to die tomorrow and just do it in the first instance. But when you want to do something bad, remember that you have a whole life in front of you so you can put it off for another day. Harman reminded me of that.
Everybody can’t help everybody but everybody can help somebody. But it certainly takes a hero to put everything aside and selflessly help another. It’s these heroes that make life worth living and the world a better place. Harman Singh – we salute you!