SOURCE: AFI
In a humanitarian gesture, the Russian government has begun the process of granting permanent residency (PR) to the family of Tejpal Singh, an Indian national who lost his life fighting for the Russian army in the conflict in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on March 12, 2024. This move acknowledges the sacrifice made by Singh, offering support and a new beginning for his grieving family.
Parminder Kaur, the widow of Tejpal Singh, confirmed that she has already been granted permanent residency. She further stated that the rest of her family, including her children and Tejpal’s parents, will receive their PR status upon arrival in Russia. This development was shared with the media following her recent three-month stay in Moscow, aimed at navigating the bureaucratic processes associated with her husband’s service and death.
Since March, the Russian government has been providing a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000 to each of Parminder’s children, seven-year-old Armandeep Singh and four-year-old Gurnaazdeep Kaur. This financial aid is intended to cover their educational and lodging expenses, offering some relief to the family during this difficult time.
Parminder Kaur is scheduled to return to Moscow in February to finalize the remaining paperwork. The family’s plan includes a collective visit to Russia in May, once the severe winter conditions have eased, to settle matters further. Upon arriving, Tejpal’s parents will also begin receiving a pension from the Russian government, providing them with a measure of financial security in their retirement years.
This gesture by the Russian government not only acknowledges Tejpal Singh’s sacrifice but also aims to provide his family with a measure of stability and security. Tejpal Singh, originally from Amritsar, Punjab, had gone to Russia with the dream of serving in a military capacity, a path that led him to join the Russian forces. His untimely death left his family in a precarious situation, both emotionally and financially.
The news has elicited mixed reactions within India, with some viewing it as a poignant recognition of a soldier’s service abroad, while others see it as a complex issue involving foreign nationals in international conflicts. The story of Tejpal Singh and his family highlights the broader implications of individuals from one nation fighting in the wars of another, especially concerning the welfare of their families post-conflict.