Thank
you all for coming
We
are the family of Hemant Govekar – his parents who flew in yesterday, his
sister and first cousins, and their families.
Today,
Hemant was supposed to travel with his Melbourne relatives, who are here, to my
place in Sydney to celebrate New Year’s all together. Instead we are all
gathered here to mourn his loss.
Hemant
Govekar was tragically taken by the sea five days ago on Christmas Day. Police have not yet informed that the remains
they have found are his. Investigations are still ongoing, but we have come to
accept reality.
Hemant
Govekar, was from Mumbai and graduated just 2 weeks ago from University of
Queensland in Master of Business.
Hemant
was a kind soul. He was the most caring, intelligent, and hardworking person.
Apart from being academically bright, he was an asset to his community - both
in Brisbane and Mumbai - leading and volunteering in cultural activities,
college clubs, dance events, charity events, and mentoring programmes.
The
outpouring of support from people everywhere has been humbling and gratifying
and speaks a lot about how much Hemant meant to all of us. He will be sorely
missed.
Thanks
for all your help and continual support in difficult times. Many people here
worked on the search and rescue, and then on recovery. Special thanks to
emergency services – Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Victoria Police,
Victoria State Emergency Services, divers, helicopter team and others – many
working on voluntary basis and during holiday period. We are deeply grateful to
Jessy who went to save Hemant on her surfboard, and searched for him for the
longest time and her mom who offered comfort while the emergency crew arrived.
Such
tragic accidents serve a stark reminder of the dangers of the waters. We want
to focus especially amongst vulnerable groups where such coastal accidents seem
to happen with painful regularity. We will create awareness on the issue and will
work with the authorities to ensure that such entirely avoidable casualties
don’t happen.
That
will a fitting tribute to a remarkable human being.
Thank
you.
Additional Info - ripcurrents
No comments:
Post a Comment