The recent attack on him and several other Indian students in Australia has failed to dent the resolve of young Baljinder Singh who is determined to complete his hotel management course in that country.
"I talked to him today. He is better now. Recently, he had applied for permanent residency and hopes to get that. Despite the incident, he will continue his studies and will only come to celebrate Diwali with the family," Mewa Singh, father of the 25-year-old student told PTI over phone from Karnal in Haryana.
He said though the attack on his son had come as a shock to him and the entire family, they would back his decision to continue his studies in Australia. "He is willing to complete his studies and the family has backed him," he said.
When asked if they would allow him to settle down in Australia despite the incident, he said it was for Baljit to decide that.
Describing the attack on his son, he said Baljinder had alighted from a train in Melbourne earlier this week and walked a few steps when he was attacked by two men who apparently wanted to rob him.
{{/usCountry}}Describing the attack on his son, he said Baljinder had alighted from a train in Melbourne earlier this week and walked a few steps when he was attacked by two men who apparently wanted to rob him.
{{/usCountry}}"My son agreed to part with his money, but still he was attacked, which is unfortunate," Singh, a veterinary doctor said, adding that the Australian Government should ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Meanwhile, as a large number of students from Chandigarh and Punjab study in Australia, their parents have been making frantic calls to know about their welfare.
"My son is pursuing MBA in Australia. I talked to him today and he is fine, though a bit worried after the incidents," said an anxious parent.
Australia remains a favourite destination for students from the region.