Sydney businessman becomes second Australian to die from COVID-19 in India

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has reacted after a father-of-two became the second Australian to die from COVID-19 in India.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has expressed her “sincere condolences” after a Sydney-based businessman became the second Australian to die from COVID-19 in India.

Trina Solar Australia assistant director Govind Kant, 47, had returned to India for personal reasons in April.

Speaking to 2GB on Tuesday night, Minister Payne said Australia was “providing consular assistance” to Mr Kant’s family, adding she had seen the “many, many tributes that have poured in” for him.

“It is tragic and my heart goes out to his family. It is such a very difficult time in India,” she said.

In a statement, Trina Solar Australia described the father of two as a dear friend and valued colleague.

“Unfortunately, Govind contracted the virus in India and has passed away,” the company said.

“Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that the team at Trina Solar feels for the passing of our exceptional colleague and friend.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Govind and his family, including his wife and two daughters.”

Company Solar Juice paid tribute to Mr Kant as a “solar pioneer” and a “true gentleman”, sharing a tribute video of the engineer smiling at industry conferences, drinking with friends and laughing in blooper outtakes from a corporate video.

https://www.facebook.com/1503203199915483/videos/472323310500952

Mr Kant’s mother, Rekha Gupta, had died while in India with her funeral held in March, according to a Facebook tribute.

“I am so sorry Mummy - I was not with you,” Mr Kant said in a post.

Australian businessman Govind Kant died in India. Picture: Facebook

Tributes have been pouring in following the announcement.

“Such sad news. The industry will miss him greatly,” SolarEdge Technologies technical director James Sturch wrote.

“He was truly committed to making a change in the world and always had time for people, he always demonstrated respect and was always supportive.

“My thoughts are for all of his colleagues and especially his family.”

Govind Kant was a father of two. Picture: Facebook

MPower Projects general manager Ryan Scott said: “Absolutely tragic news, a wonderful person taken at such a young age.”

Zero Emissions Developments project manager Chris Dryden said he had last spoken to Mr Kant a few weeks ago.

“A legend in the Australian solar industry and a good bloke to boot,” Mr Dryden said.

“I was talking with him a few weeks ago and am struggling to comprehend that he is no longer with us.

“Sending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

Friends in the technology industry paid tribute to the engineer, describing him as a “great man” with a “big laugh”.

“Oh man, one of my favourite people in the industry,” Frank Tripodi wrote on Facebook.

“Going to miss that big laugh of his - I was looking forward to catching up with him again as I have not seen him in a while - great tribute to a great man. RIP Govind.”

“Such a great loss to the industry and his family. Had the fortune to know Govind for over 10 years,” Ben Bishop wrote.

“Always the gentleman. Will be missed by many.”

Friend John Chen remembered Mr Kant as a “humble” giant of the industry, who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

“Wise and compassionate, your every action towards business and people around you, was always good willed,” he said on social media.

“Helping those in need and seeking support from me to support them.

“Mr. Govind Kant, you are and always will be, a part of my family and will be forever remembered in our lives.”

Mr Chen said his fondest memories of the engineer would be those they shared over a meal.

“Of course we had our moments (such as when) I evilly invited you with your corporate management team to steak house dinners,” he said.

“But you were always a great sport as you sat there eating chips.”

“But our greatest times (were) always over dinner, just the two of us, with one of our favourite cuisine, Indian, which you in fact introduced me to. Truly I am going to miss those times”

Tributes have poured in for Mr Kant. Picture: Facebook

Mr Kant attended Macquarie Graduate School of Management where he attained a Master of Business Administration, according to his social media accounts.

He had previously studied engineering in Mangalore in India before moving to Australia where he also worked for tech company RFI Technology Solutions.

Mr Kant’s death follows that of a 59-year-old Australian permanent resident who died in Delhi earlier this month.

The man’s daughter Sonali Ralhan wrote on Facebook that her father had been “abandoned” by the Australian government after it introduced a temporary ban on all travel from India in a bid to reduce the number of infections in quarantine.

“I am an Australian citizen and highly disappointed to be one today,” she wrote.

“What nation disowns their own citizens? (It) is a matter of wonder for the entire world.”

The travel ban ended on May 15 but the first repatriation flight carried only 80 passengers after 70 were removed following positive tests. Some of those people later tested negative.