Ravneet Singh Gill’s life was tragically cut short in a drowning incident at Duranbah, a popular Tweed beach in north-eastern New South Wales.
22-year-old Ravneet was one of the eight swimmers who drifted out to sea near Gold Coast on 25th December.
Ravneet had been a popular, well-liked and successful student in the School of Business and Tourism at Southern Cross University for the past two-and-a-half years.
In a statement released this afternoon, the university said: “The entire University family pays tribute to Ravneet as a Southern Cross student and as a proud member of his Indian community.
“As a University, we lament Ravneet’s passing and express our sincerest condolences to his loved ones,” said Vice Chancellor Adam Shoemaker.
“At the same time, we recognise the heroism of the surf lifesavers of Duranbah Beach in Northern NSW, who also rescued seven of Ravneet’s friends.
“There is no doubt that this is a tragedy for Ravneet’s family and for all of us. However, it could have been far worse had it not been for the efforts of the volunteer lifesavers who did their utmost to save everyone who was swept out to sea.
Ravneet had been a popular, well-liked and successful student in the School of Business and Tourism at Southern Cross University for the past two-and-a-half years.
He had a flair for performance and acting, for reciting poetry and for modelling. He undoubtedly had a very bright future ahead of him.
“The University is distraught over this accident,” the University’s Vice President (Global) Monty Singh said.
“We not only express our deepest feelings and commiserations to Ravneet’s family but have offered support and counselling to his many friends.
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Southern Cross University has announced to redouble its efforts to educate all international students in Australia about surf and swimming safety.
“As of this year we have introduced mandatory water safety training for all students in their country of origin, long before they board a plane for Australia,” said Mr Singh.
“And we are strong supporters of both Surf Life Saving Australia and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“We must do everything possible to prevent such tragedies in the future and to preserve the memory of Ravneet on a daily basis.”
The impact of Ravneet Singh's death has touched many, including the Indian-Australian. The family and friends are expressing their grief on social media.
Ravneet Singh Gill will be remembered as "a free spirit" who had dreams of building a better life in Australia. Source: Supplied
“It was a tragic end to young life. He came to Australia as an international student to build his life as a migrant,” said an Indian community spokesperson Rashpal Heyer.
"He was smart, witty, hard-working, vibrant and full of energy. The locals will miss him dearly.
“We are told he was the type of person who had a big heart and he always offered help where he could,” said Mr Manjit Boparai who is also doing sincere efforts to send his body back to India.
Meanwhile, the community in Australia has started showing their support for the family through financial donations on My Cause fundraising page.
ਤੇਰੇ ਮੱਥੇ ਤੇ ਕਿੱਕਲੀ ਪਾਉਣ ਤਾਰੇ
Ravneet Singh Gill had a passion for Punjabi poetry Source: Supplied
ਕਾਹਤੋਂ ਸੋਗ ਕੀਤਾ ਵੇ ਤੂੰ ਉੱਠ ਚੰਨਾਂ
ਤੇਰੇ ਪੈਰਾਂ 'ਚ ਬਰਕਤਾਂ ਸੌਂ ਰਹੀਆਂ
ਮਾਰ ਅੱਡੀ ਵੇ ਧਰਤ ਨੂੰ ਪੁੱਟ ਚੰਨਾਂ
ਤੇਰੀ ਤੋਰ ਤੇ ਮਰਦੀਆਂ ਸੌ ਰੁੱਤਾਂ
ਕੋਈ ਕਦਮ ਸਵੱਲੜਾ ਪੁੱਟ ਚੰਨਾਂ
Ravneet Gill's favourite Punjabi quote ॥ ਵਕਤ ਤਜਰਬਾ ਤੇਂ ਦੇ ਦਿੰਦਾ, ਪਰ ਬੰਦੇ ਦੀ ਮਾਸੂਮਿਅਤ ਖੋਹ ਲੈਂਦਾ||
