Sydney-based Navonkar Singh will receive a Commendation for Brave Conduct from Australia for the courage he showed on 6 December 2019.
Indian-Australian Navonkar Singh is commended for brave conduct for his actions after his semi-trailer caught fire at a service station in McDougalls Hill, New South Wales, on 6 December 2019.
“In the morning, Mr Navonkar Singh pulled into a service station in McDougalls Hill to refuel his semi-trailer at the heavy vehicle diesel pumps. Upon exiting the cabin, he observed smoke and flames emitting underneath the vehicle. Mr Singh re-entered the vehicle, and with smoke filling the cabin, he drove approximately 20 metres away from the fuel tanks until he was forced to exit. Mr Singh obtained some water and attempted to douse the flames, however, the fire destroyed the vehicle before emergency services arrived,” reads the commendation.
Singh, who arrived in Australia on a student visa in 2006, says his wife encouraged him to act.
“I was on a call with my wife when I noticed the fire. I tried to put the fire off using an extinguisher, but it did not work. It made me anxious I asked my wife what should I do. She told me to act and not leave the place as it might put others’ lives in danger,” Singh told NRI Affairs.
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Singh’s wife, Ranjit Kaur, says she was terrified but chose to do the right thing.
“I was so scared. He is the only breadwinner. He has a family behind him. However, I knew this was the right thing to do at that time. So many people say they are brave, but they are not there with you when it comes to acting. I know; he would have done the same without me telling him too,” Ranjit Kaur said.
Singh, the father of two, is pleased and proud to receive the award.
“It is great. This award means a lot to me, my family and my friends. I am very happy. I did not do it for the award. I never expected it. But, recognition encourages you to keep up the work. That is what this award means,” said Singh, who will receive the award on ANZAC day.
