Before Harman Singh became famous across the world as the "Sikh Samaritan", he was a heartbroken son grieving for his father.
The tragic accident that threw Mr Singh into the spotlight, when he heroically broke strict religious custom by removing his turban to help save the life of a youngboy who'd been hit by a car, has also brought him closer to his father, who died a year ago.
"I always want my dad to be proud of me," he told Daily Mail Australia.
"If he could see me right now, I think he would be proud."
Harman Singh removed his turban to help the 5 year old boy that was hit by a car in South Auckland. Photo / Supplied
Posts of his father permeate his social media platforms, with photos and memories shared with Mr Singh's family and friends.
He often speaks of how much he misses his father, and how much he loved him.
"I always love u...I'm nothing without u...Come back once," one reads.
His father died in April 2014, less than a year after he left home near New Delhi in India to move to New Zealand in May 2013.
Mr Singh, who moved to Auckland to study for his business degree, was sitting in his new home when he heard tyres screech on the street. Mr Singh rushed outside and found Daejon in the street with blood coming from the back of his head.
He removed his turban, which is strictly not allowed in the Sikh religion, and used it to cradle the boy's bleeding head.
Since the story of Mr Singh's inspiring selflessness was first reported, his story has been beamed around the world.
His apartment, which had only a mattress on the floor and plastic garden chairs in the living room, was furnished by New Zealand television network One News.
Mr Singh openly wept on-air as couches and chairs were unloaded from a delivery van and put inside his home.
Harman Singh outside the Starship Children's Hospital after visiting Daejon Pahia. Photo / Jason Oxenham, NZ Herald
"Thank you I'm very happy," was all he could manage to say, his speech stifled by tears.
He was also given a card by Daejon's family, which read: "Daejon and his family would just like to say thank you for helping and saving Daejon we're very grateful."
Thousands of people from around the world have reached out to thank Mr Singh for his actions over the past fortnight.
"Great symbol of - we are all human beings. We have our individual beliefs, but at the end of the day to care for one another is key," Ashleigh Garrett said on Facebook.
"This is why I have high respect for the Sikhism faith. Awesome job mate!," one person commented.
