This father reminded son, life doesn’t stop

This Father’s Day, the story of Surinder Singh reminds us that some fathers don’t just protect buildings — they protect futures.

For over two decades, Surinder Singh has stood guard at the gates of CT Group of Institution. Rain or shine, day or night, his job has always been to ensure the safety of those inside. But while he diligently fulfilled his duty in uniform, his greatest responsibility was quietly unfolding at home — raising his son, Amrit, single-handedly.

In 2022, tragedy struck the small family. Surinder’s wife, Amrit’s mother, passed away suddenly due to a silent heart attack — a moment that changed their lives forever. The loss hit Amrit the hardest. A bright, BBA student at the time, Amrit withdrew completely. He stopped attending classes, isolated himself and was consumed by guilt for not being at home when his mother needed him.

“For months, I saw him drift away from everything,” Surinder recalled. “He would sit alone, wouldn’t talk to anyone. As a father, I was afraid I had lost him too. I had lost my wife, but I couldn’t afford to lose my son.”

He said he knew that grief could break people, or in some cases, pull them towards dangerous paths. “I told myself — I have to be both his father and his mother now. I can’t give up,” he said. He cooked, cleaned, kept the home running and most importantly, gave Amrit the space to heal, while gently pushing him back toward his life.

“I didn’t force him to forget his mother. I just wanted him to keep walking,” Surinder said. “Some days, I would just sit quietly next to him, while on some days, I would remind him to go to class. I never stopped reminding him that life doesn’t stop.”

He said slowly, Amrit found his way back. He completed his BBA and is now pursuing his MBA from the same institution. During his semester break, he assists in the admissions department and is preparing to serve as a Student Ambassador — ready to mentor and inspire others, just as his father did for him.

Surinder takes quiet pride in his son’s progress. “He has become stronger. I know his mother would have been proud of him,” he said.

“As a single father, Surinder Singh took on both parental roles with silent determination. His journey speaks for countless fathers who shoulder grief and responsibility alone, yet continue to guide their children with patience, resilience and endless love,” said Managing Director of CT Group, Dr Manbir Singh.

Jalandhar