In a gesture of compassion and recognition, the Russian government is granting permanent residency and a pension to the family of Tejpal Singh, an Indian national who tragically lost his life fighting alongside Russian forces in the conflict in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on March 12, 2024.
Parminder Kaur, Tejpal Singh's widow, confirmed that she has already received permanent residency and that the rest of her family, including her two young children and Tejpal's parents, will be granted the same status upon their arrival in Russia. This news follows her recent three-month stay in Moscow, where she navigated the bureaucratic processes related to 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, to cover their educational and living expenses. Furthermore, upon their arrival in Russia, Tejpal's parents will also receive a pension from the Russian government.
Parminder Kaur plans to return to Moscow in February to finalize the remaining paperwork, with the entire family expected to relocate to Russia in May, after the harsh winter conditions subside.
Tejpal Singh, originally from Amritsar, Punjab, had traveled to Russia with aspirations of a military career, eventually joining the Russian forces. His untimely death left his family in a difficult situation, both emotionally and financially. The Russian government's actions aim to provide them with a degree of stability and support in their new life in Russia.
This gesture has evoked mixed reactions in India. While some see it as a compassionate recognition of a soldier's sacrifice, others raise concerns about the complexities of foreign nationals participating in international conflicts and the implications for their families.
The story of Tejpal Singh and his family highlights the broader issues surrounding individuals fighting in wars outside their home countries and the responsibility towards their families in the aftermath.
