Indian sprint legend flying Sikh Milkha Singh passed away last night after a month-long battle with COVID-19. He was 91. The Padma Shri awardee is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters. His wife Nirmal Kaur lost her life recently to the Coronavirus infection.
Honorary Captain Milkha Singh was an Indian track and field sprinter who was introduced to the sport while serving in the Indian Army. He was the only athlete to win gold in 400 meters race at the Asian Games as well the Commonwealth Games. He also won gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games.
The Flying Sikh represented India in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his sporting achievements.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed grief over the demise of sporting icon Milkha Singh. They also expressed their deepest condolences to his family and countless followers.
In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away. pic.twitter.com/h99RNbXI28
Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar has expressed sadness over the demise of legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh. In a tweet, Mr. Javadekar said, he will always remain an inspiration for all.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju has expressed grief over the death of Milkha Singh. In a tweet, Mr. Rijiju said that India has lost its star. He said, Milkha Singh Ji has left us but he will continue to inspire every Indian to shine for India. Mr. Rijiju expressed his deepest condolences to his family.
Vishal Sharma is a renowned Indian journalist, cyber security expert, social activist, and poet, better known in literary circles as Surur Akbarabadi. Journalism is his first love, through which he has captured the pulse of society and pursued an unwavering commitment to truth. He divides his time between Agra—his ancestral home, famed for the Taj Mahal and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb—and Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, where he lives as a devoted husband and doting father. His personal life, filled with love and care for his family, anchors his relentless efforts for societal good.
Vishal’s academic path reflects his versatility: a B.Sc. degree sharpened his scientific rigor, while an LL.B. equipped him with a legal perspective. His journalistic career is illustrious, having worked with prominent publications such as The Indian Express, The Pioneer, Indo-American Times, and Business Standard, where he mastered the art of weaving facts into compelling narratives. As Managing Editor of Indian Talent Magazine, he nurtured emerging voices, and today, he runs Agra24.in, a news portal that keeps Agra’s heartbeat alive online, while also serving on the editorial boards of several other digital platforms, amplifying stories that matter.
Poetry is Vishal’s close second love, expressed under his pseudonym Surur Akbarabadi—a blend of "joy" and a tribute to Agra’s rich legacy. Inspired by Urdu giants like Ghalib, Faiz, and Nazir Akbarabadi, his verses, such as "विरासत-ए-ज़फ़र का ये अंजाम देखिए" and "खामोशियों का शोर," fuse personal reflection with societal critique, offering both solace and commentary. His prose is equally powerful, spanning environmental concerns, political satire, and calls for unity, resonating widely on platforms like X.
Vishal’s dedication to society shines through his diverse roles. As Vice-Chairman of Hindustani Biradari, he champions communal harmony, countering divisive narratives with appeals for peace. As Secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber, he strengthens the city’s tourism ecosystem, ensuring its heritage—tangible and intangible—thrives. His work on Agra’s Heritage and History Conservation Committee reflects his commitment to preserving the city’s past, from Mughal marvels to forgotten tales, while his active role in civil society amplifies grassroots concerns.
A Cyber Security Consultant by profession, Vishal safeguards digital frontiers, a role that aligns with his critiques of online toxicity. His editorial oversight of Agra24.in and other portals merges his journalism with tech-savvy insight, delivering real-time updates to a global audience. Whether exposing institutional opacity or celebrating cultural milestones, his pen remains a tool for truth.
A photography and travel enthusiast, Vishal is fond of long drives across the country, capturing India’s diverse landscapes through his lens. He holds a special love for Rajasthan, where the vibrant culture and rugged beauty inspire him, and often unwinds on jungle safaris, with Sariska being his favorite retreat to reconnect with nature. In Lucknow, he balances his public endeavors with a private life of warmth and stability. A devoted husband and doting father, he draws strength from his family, rooting his activism in personal values. From conserving Agra’s heritage to dissecting global economics, Vishal Sharma stands as a modern polymath—a journalist of conscience, a poet of the people, and a guardian of culture and justice, leaving an indelible mark on India’s intellectual and social fabric.
Indian sprint legend flying Sikh Milkha Singh passed away last night after a month-long battle with COVID-19. He was 91. The Padma Shri awardee is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters. His wife Nirmal Kaur lost her life recently to the Coronavirus infection.
