’Security isn’t just a soldier’s job’

Prabhjit Singh refused offers by various telecom majors to sponsor his trip. He did not want his mission to be 'hijacked'

'Security isn't just a soldier's job'

Prabhjit Singh refused offers by various telecom majors to sponsor his trip. He did not want his mission to be 'hijacked'

A prolonged illness forced Prabhjit Singh lose his job as a rifleman in Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, a force that is directly responsible for fighting militants in the insurgency-hit Jammu and Kashmir. And then Singh lost his left hand and foot in a train accident.

Singh does not want to become part of the crowd who would light candles and leave the wax to be swept away the next morning. "I refused to accept offers from many telecom companies and multinationals who wanted to sponsor my trip. I did not want them to hijack my mission and exploit it for their profit," Singh told MiD DAY.

He was in Delhi this week to seek appointment from Chief of Army Staff Gen Deepak Kapoor.

Singh started his journey from hometown Ambala in Haryana on January 19 and visited all state capitals on his bicycle without any special modification except for removing the left brake. "It's of no use to me." During his travels, Singh used to start his day as early as 5O clock in the morning and stop at police stations and cantonments to meet local cops and soldiers.

"I met those who actually stand in between the terrorists' bullets and their target. I talked to them and got to know their real time experiences. Though I have been a soldier myself, but it was something that I never felt in my life ever," he said.

According to Singh, security is not the sole job of soldiers and cops. Every citizen must rise and accept the responsibility towards the nation, he said.

On his visit to Mumbai, Singh visited places targeted by the terrorists. "I went to CST station, Gateway of India and every where hoards of people would come to see me. They were amazed to see me but my efforts are nothing in front of the acts of the martyrs. I lost my limbs in an accident but jawans of our security forces lose their lives saving our country," he said.

Singh is now looking forward to meet the families of the 26/11 martyrs.

He also visited schools and colleges and interacted with thousands of students. "I told them every citizen of this country is a soldier."

Always a soldier
Singh wants his five-year-old daughter Maskin Kaur to join the Indian Army. "I want her to be a military doctor.
u00a0
She is too young to understand these things but I would surely inspire her to become an informed citizen of this country," he said.

The 170 days he spent on Indian roads Singh survived on food provided by cops and soldiers. He started his journey with Rs 10,000 out of which he purchased his cycle, shoes, shorts and t-shirt.

Big telecom brands operating in the country offered him sponsorship in the condition that their team would also accompany him on the mission.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels