Sikh cabbie-turned-millionaire ruined by Australian bush fires

The story of Charanamat Singh, an Indian taxi driver turned millionaire in Northern Australia, has all the trappings of a rags-to-riches Bollywood thriller. However, the gritty farmer turned into a pauper overnight after the recent bush fires in Victoria destroyed his 150-acre farm, buildings and equipment worth about millions of dollars.

"Every thing was gutted in front our eyes in the last week of February. Over 200 people died in the area due to fires that left no time for anyone to flee. Thanks to the almighty, all of us -- my wife, children, brother and father -- managed to stay alive, said Singh.

The 55-year-old Sikh hailing from Prathappour in Punjab, had left his native land in 1986, disenchanted with the militancy in Punjab.

Initially, he started as a taxi driver in Melbourne. Burning with an urge to become a farmer, like his family back in Punjab, Singh managed to save enough to own a few taxies and later mobilised bank loans to buy large tracts of land, about 50 km from Melbourne where he grew broccoli and beans and produced bottled water from the water springs in his farm.

Soon Singh became a prominent member of the Indian community, contributing generously to its activities. It brought him fame as top local politicians, including the premier of the province, visited him regularly.

Life changed course again for Singh on February 24 when the Australian wildfires engulfed his farm and destroyed everything he had built over the years.

After making futile efforts to save the farm and the building, we tried to flee in the car. My wife, who was driving the vehicle, tried to steer away but the flames encircled the car, he said. The family ran out into the burning fields and managed to escape.

"We lost every thing. Besides the crops, my home, refrigerated storage house and many of the 13 trucks and tractors were gutted," he added.

Known for his simplicity, integrity and social service, Singh declined to accept Aus$50,000 mobilised by the community to help him, saying it should be distributed to all those who lost lives and property in the fires.

"Life has been a roller coast ride ever since I came here. We will make a new beginning. All of us, my wife, children, brother and his family work in the farm. We are now trying to clear the farm and will raise the crop once again after the field is cleared of debris , a determined Singh said.