Family Works to Fulfill Last Wish of Freedom Fighter's Son
Inqlab Singh Walia, 83, the youngest son of freedom fighter Parag Singh, passed away in Denmark on Wednesday. During his lifetime, Walia expressed a desire to be cremated at his native place in Ahmedgarh, where the last rites of his father and brothers were conducted. His family members, including wife Gurdeep Kaur, daughters Manjit and Nina, son Gobind, and grandchildren—all Danish citizens—are now making efforts to repatriate his body to India to fulfill his final wish.
Challenges in Repatriating the Body
According to Jaswant Kaur Walia, elder sister-in-law of Inqlab Singh Walia, the family is proud of their decision to bring his body to Ahmedgarh for last rites. However, she noted that fulfilling a foreign national’s wish for last rites at his native place involves a long-drawn procedure. “A strict legal process has to be followed to repatriate the embalmed body,” she said, referring to information received from Walia’s wife Gurdeep Kaur. The family remains unsure when the body will be repatriated, pending clearance from both the Denmark and Indian governments.
Honoring Culture and Heritage
Despite the complicated process, the family believes that bringing Walia’s mortal remains to his native country would honor his culture, heritage, and nationality. Walia’s father, Parag Singh, had led the Malerkotla units of the Parja Mandal and the Congress, and was involved in the Quit India movement and other freedom struggles. He was imprisoned in Ludhiana, Multan, Layalpur, Malerkotla Estate Jail, and Ahmedgarh jails for extended periods. Parag Singh died on May 18, 1950, and was cremated at the local Ahmedgarh crematorium. Once repatriated, Inqlab Singh Walia’s remains will be cremated at the same site.
Family’s Determination
The Walia family remains resolute in their mission. Jaswant Kaur Walia expressed pride in the family’s decision, emphasizing the cultural and emotional significance of fulfilling Walia’s last wish. The repatriation process, while challenging, underscores the deep connection to their Indian roots even as they hold Danish citizenship.
