My grandmother once
revealed her inner desire before my father, Hari Singh, “Son, I
want you to be a big person, but big person means good man and doing good
work.” He led a simple life. My father always helped people as much as he can.
But, situation for him took a toll after his truck was looted.
He was also fed up
with the endemic corruption and politicians that time in the country. Unable to
tolerate anymore, he measured some courage and raised his tune against
corruption through an act of ahimsa.
This incidence
eventually attracted the passengers of the plane and they called him a reformer
rather than a hijacker. Nevertheless, my father got arrested on March
28, 1993 and was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment. At the time of
arrest he only said, “I am not a terrorist, I am an Indian.”
Decent in nature, he
never stepped back to help his fellow inmates in the prison too. He tried to
help those in need and motivated others not to do bad deeds once they are out
of jail. Everyone praised for his good behaviour and his ‘excellent conduct’
and was awarded three times from 1993 to 1995 for this by the Jail authorities.
A
true patriot, he never missed a single court’s hearing. Though is not a very
highly qualified person, but he has gathered tremendous knowledge from his life
experiences. In his opinion, he did not hijack a plane but to reveal the
corrupt politics which gave the country nothing except lies, fraud and betrayal
and he intended to unveil the fact that common man at that time was struggling
for bread, clothes and shelter.
So
benign and humble, Mr. Hari Singh, my father got appreciations from eminent
people like Kiran Bedi, Khushwant Singh and many more. In 1994, when he was under
the supervision of Mrs. Kiran
Bedi Ji, the woman of substance commented on his behaviour, “aap bohut
acche ho.” My father
and Khushwant Singh exchanged
letters with each other. The well-known writer expressed sympathy for my
father’s quick trial. “I trust, this (letter) finds you in good health and pray
your ordeal will soon be over.”
Till
now he did not find fair justice from the government. Is voicing for
truth, peace and harmony a crime? I, the daughter of Mr. Hari singh has taken pledge to stand up
against injustice which my father is suffering since last 21 years. I am proud
of my father and want my father back as soon as possible.
Hats off to Mr. Hari Singh and his conduct. Bravo!
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