Manmeet Alisher Was More Than Just an ‘Indian-Origin Bus Driver’
Manmeet Sharma was a singer, actor, poet and a prominent figure in the Punjabi-Australian community.
Manmeet Sharma or Manmeet Alisher, was brutally killed after he was set on fire by a passenger in the bus. A quick Google search is enough to tell you that most headlines identified Alisher as an “Indian-origin Australian bus driver.”
But who was Manmeet Sharma, and why is his death a cause for caution and discussion across the Punjabi-Australian community?
More Than Just A Bus Driver
Alisher was an aspiring singer, who had performed locally. He was also a poet, actor and a prominent figure in the Punjabi-Australian community. His name is Manmeet Sharma, but he chose to go by Alisher, the name of his village in Sangrur district.
He was reportedly supposed to come back to India in a few months to get married. Instead, his brother, Amit Sharma, arrived at Australia to collect his body.
Manmeet’s parents do not yet know of their son’s death. They have been told that he was in an accident and is in coma. He was the ‘main family member’ and his famliy was dependent on him, said family spokesperon, Winnerjit Goldy.
Manmeet’s death has sparked a growing sense of unease in the Punjabi community in Australia. Multiple Facebook pages have emerged like RIP Manmeet Alisher, Justice for Manmeet Alisher Sharma , Remembering the Life of Manmeet Alisher.
The Punjabi community in Australia believes that Alisher bore the brunt of racism. However, officials are denying any racist motive behind this gruesome attack and are investigating the attacker’s mental health.
People Come Together To Offer Condolences
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)