Munger, India:

Donald Sams, a 91-year-old Australian from Sydney, had a profound love for India—so much so that he made a special request in his will: to be buried in an Indian Christian cemetery. His deep connection to the country was evident throughout his life, and his final wish was honored after his passing.

On his 12th visit to India, Sams was part of a 42-member Australian team traveling from Sultan Ganj to Patna on a Ganges River cruise. During the journey, he suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the National Hospital in Munger, where doctors declared him dead. The district administration promptly informed Indian authorities about his passing. Following approval from the Australian Embassy and his wife, Alice Sams, arrangements were made for his burial in Munger.

Honoring His Final Wish

With permission from the Australian Embassy and at the request of his wife, a Christian priest was arranged to conduct the funeral rites. As per his wife’s wishes, no autopsy was performed. The burial took place in the Christian cemetery at Churamba, following full Christian customs.

Munger District Magistrate Avnish Kumar Singh confirmed that the funeral arrangements were made under the embassy’s guidance.

“The funeral was conducted without a post-mortem, as per the wishes of his wife, Alice. The cruise ship carrying the deceased remained anchored at Babua Ghat from Friday night until Saturday afternoon,” said the District Magistrate.

A Life Deeply Connected to India

Donald Sams was a retired officer of the Australian high command. His wife, Alice, revealed that his father had worked in Assam during British rule, which inspired Sams’ lifelong affinity for India. As a tribute to his father, he made it a tradition to visit Assam whenever he traveled to the country.

This trip marked his 12th visit to India, and on each of his journeys, he followed the same route—traveling from Kolkata to Patna along the Ganges. His bond with India was so strong that he wished to make it his final resting place.

Now, as per his last request, Donald Sams has been laid to rest in the land he cherished.