In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the serene waters of a Californian lake turned into a scene of sorrow for families in Mohna village of Pundri, Kaithal district. Sachin Kumar, 22, and Pargat Singh, 27, both ambitious youths from the close-knit community, met with untimely deaths that have left their families shattered across continents.
The incident unfolded last Sunday when Pargat, accompanied by friends, ventured to a lake in California. What was meant to be a leisurely outing soon turned into tragedy as Sachin Kumar tragically drowned. Pargat Singh, though rescued from the water, succumbed to his injuries days later in hospital, casting a pall of grief over his loved ones.
For Pargat’s father, who had seen his son off to the United States eight years ago, the loss is unfathomable. Pargat had returned briefly in January for his wedding, a joyful occasion now overshadowed by sorrow. “I have lost everything,” lamented his father, urging the government’s assistance in repatriating Pargat’s body for a final farewell. He recounted how Pargat’s wife had pleaded with him to rest instead of heading to the lake that fateful day.
Sachin Kumar’s journey to America, driven by aspirations and sacrifices, also ended tragically early in his promising career. Sent abroad through unconventional means after selling family land, Sachin had only recently begun his employment. His uncle, Naresh Kumar, expressed disbelief at the cruel twist of fate that befell the young man so soon after starting his American dream.
Lakhwinder Singh, a relative deeply affected by the loss of Pargat, described him as a hardworking individual who had stayed connected with family until moments before the ill-fated outing. Despite efforts to save him, Pargat’s injuries proved fatal, leaving his family and community in mourning.
In the wake of this tragedy, both families have made an emotional appeal to the Haryana state government for assistance in bringing the bodies of Sachin Kumar and Pargat Singh back to India. They seek closure through traditional last rites, a poignant reminder of lives cut short and dreams left unfulfilled.
As the communities in Mohna village and beyond grapple with this sudden loss, the memories of Sachin and Pargat will endure as testaments to youthful ambition and the bonds of family that span continents.
