Sunday 20 / October / 2024
Muscat: The city of Sur is in mourning following the tragic death of long-time resident and respected Indian businessman, Purshottam Bhatia, and his wife, Padmini, after a partial wall collapse at their home in Sur Market on Saturday. Purshottam, aged 89, and Padmini, aged 85, lost their lives when the side wall of their bedroom collapsed while they slept past midnight.
The couple had been residents of Sur for decades, with Purshottam, affectionately known as ‘Vald Hera’ among locals, running the popular Hiranand Kishandas and Company, a well-known textile shop that has served both Omanis and expatriates for over 70 years.
His warm personality and enduring dedication to the community earned him a cherished place in the hearts of many in the region.
Their son, Pradeep Bhatia, 67, shared the heartbreaking details in an interview with Times of Oman: “It’s a tragedy that has shattered our family. My parents went to bed as usual, and sometime after midnight, we heard a loud crash. When we rushed to check, we found that the side wall of their bedroom had collapsed, burying them under the rubble. We called emergency services immediately, but it took several hours to clear the debris and recover them.”
Pradeep explained that their home, a four-room one-storey building, had undergone partial renovation, but the older part of the house had become vulnerable following recent heavy rains, which had caused significant waterlogging in Sur. “The rains in Sur have been relentless, and the older part of the house couldn’t take it anymore,” explained Pradeep. Thankfully, the ground-floor shop remained unaffected.
Since news of the tragedy spread, friends, relatives, and long-time customers have been paying their respects at the family home. “My father was incredibly popular with the locals. They lovingly called him ‘Vald Hera,’ meaning ‘son of Hiranand,’ in honour of my grandfather who first established our family’s presence in Sur,” Pradeep added.
“Even at 89, my father was very active, regularly sitting in the shop and interacting with customers.”
In recent times, Purshottam had gained further attention when a video of him with a well-known Omani figure went viral, showcasing his longstanding ties with the community.
He was also recently honoured by Indian Ambassador to Oman Amit Narang during a visit to Sur, in recognition of his contributions to the region.
Adding to the outpouring of love and grief, the couple’s grandchildren shared a touching tribute online, posting a photo of their grandparents standing proudly in front of the iconic dhow - an emblem of Sur’s centuries-old shipbuilding tradition. Alongside the photo, they wrote: “We love you dear Dada (grandfather) and Dadi (grandmother).”
The heartfelt message has resonated deeply with the community, serving as a poignant reminder of the family’s ties to Sur’s history and spirit.
Tributes have poured in from across the country. One prominent Indian business figure, Rajendra (Rajubhai) Ved, Director of Lakhoos, remarked, “Purshottambhai’s family has been one of the cornerstones of Sur’s business community. His warmth, humility, and dedication made him beloved by all who knew him.”
H. Vijay, a long-time resident of Sur now settled in India, recalled his fond memories of visiting the shop. “He was a treasure trove of stories from his early days in Sur. Listening to him was always an enlightening experience.”
Purshottam leaves behind his son, three daughters, and ten grandchildren. With two of his daughters arriving on Sunday night, the cremation is scheduled to take place in Sohar on Monday.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) confirmed the deaths, stating: "Rescue teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Department in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate responded to the collapse of an old building in the Wilayat of Sur. The bodies of two Asian nationals were later recovered from the rubble."
The entire community grieves the loss of two beloved figures who contributed so much to the fabric of life in Sur.
