Tributes flow for Ravneet Singh Gill: Indian youth dies in a drowning incident

A community has been left in shock following the death of a 22-year-old Indian youth in Christmas Day tragedy.

Ravneet Singh Gill Source: Supplied

A Punjabi youngster died in a drowning incident, is remembered as "a free spirit" who had dreams of building a better life in Australia.

Ravneet Singh Gill who first came to Australia on a student visa hailed from village Gill in Ludhiana district of Punjab.

Mr Gill’s life was tragically cut short in a drowning incident at Duranbah, a popular Tweed beach in north-eastern New South Wales.

He was one of the eight swimmers who drifted out to sea near Gold Coast on 25^th December.

At about 4.45pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Duranbah Beach at Tweed Heads, following reports of people in trouble in the water.

According to Police, a group of eight people were pulled from the water by lifeguards; however, a 22-year-old man died.

The other seven people were treated and taken to hospital for assessment.

Ravneet Singh Gill had passion for acting, traveling and modeling Source: Supplied

A community spokesperson, Surjit Singh from the Gold Coast Sikh Council told SBS Punjabi that the community is trying to help the family of the deceased.

“We have set-up a My Cause fundraising page to help raise funds for Ravneet’s family,” said Mr Singh.

“The untimely taking of Ravneet Singh Gill from this world has been a shock to the small Sikh community of the Gold Coast, and also to all those who knew him.

“Ravneet, who was only 22 years of age and had been on the Gold Coast for the last 3 years studying at Southern Cross University, tragically drowned at Duranbah Beach, Tweed Heads on Christmas Day.

“As the eldest of his family Ravneet was the pillar of hope and support for his parents and younger brother who reside in India.

“Nothing can change what has happened, or fill the void created by this loss, however we request the communities assistance towards the financial burden that will impact the family following such an unexpected event.

“The Gold Coast Sikh Council will be arranging a special kirtan program in the loving memory of Ravneet Singh. We’ll share those detail in the next two three days.

Ravneet Singh Gill will be remembered as "a free spirit" who had dreams of building a better life in Australia. Source: Supplied

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.

“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.