Current Events
A Note From Harbinder Singh
Since the events of last week I have received many messages of support via sikhchic.com and personally by phone, email, etc. I am writing to express my deepest heartfelt thanks to each and every one of those individuals.
From them we have drawn strength and courage in these difficult times.
Miscarriages of justice are not new. They have happened before, are being perpetrated now, and will regrettably continue in the future. It was a heavy cross to bear but I tried to do so stoically and repaired my life. The Sikh community, which is not known for its loose interpretation of matters of ethics and morality, stood by me and my family during my imprisonment and following my release
It is a matter of great importance for me to vindicate this support. To that end I invoke the legendary positivism and high spirits of the Khalsa and re-dedicate myself relentlessly to the cause as recent events have shown me that the need to stand up and be counted as a true Sikh has never been greater.
It is difficult continue to defend myself against anonymous briefings and malicious attacks. My duty is to those who have expressed unconditional and generous solidarity, including those to whom this news coverage came as a shock.
Once again my sincerest thanks to all of the many well wishers.
Conversation about this article
1: Sangat Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), June 15, 2012, 6:31 AM.
Harbinder Singh ji: No one is an angel, no one qualifies to throw the first stone. Go forth with your head held high and don't worry about those accidental saints.
2: Harinder (Uttar Pradesh, India), June 15, 2012, 7:03 AM.
Our motto is : Chardi Kala ... always! We serve only Akal, the Timeless One.
3: Chintan Singh (San Jose, California, U.S.A.), June 15, 2012, 9:26 AM.
I couldn't more agree with Sangat Singh ji's comment. Wish there was an "agree" or "like" button next to his comment.
4: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), June 15, 2012, 9:39 AM.
The Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail has played an important role in educating all Britons about our history. Every time its work is honoured, the name of Harbinder Singh too will have to be brought out in gold letters.
5: Dr. Harvinder Singh Sidhu (Slough, United Kingdom ), June 15, 2012, 10:09 AM.
Your contribution to the promotion of the panth is almost unsurpassed in the United Kingdom as you have worked relentlessly and positively ever since I can remember. The act of treachery from the cowards that tried to bring you down ranks up there with the worst of them and we have had our share in our history. I am sure you will continue to make great strides for Sikhs everywhere in the coming years.
6: Harinder Singh 1469 (New Delhi, India), June 15, 2012, 10:20 AM.
Harbinder ji, keep the Khalsa flag flying ... in the United Kingdom and the whole world. People get to write ... but once they get to read, they'll never write such things about you again. Wish we are more aligned to quality work.
7: Bicky Singh (Orange County, California, U.S.A.), June 15, 2012, 10:37 AM.
Many of us who have been inspired by Harbinder's tireless dedication have watched with both horror and sympathy over the past few days. It is good to know that his dedication remains intact as does our faith in him. Surely, this is our test. Does one slip away or stand solidly with the one man who has done so much to promote our heritage?
8: Sangat Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), June 15, 2012, 6:37 PM.
The greatest friend of truth is time; its greatest enemy, prejudice; and its greatest companion is humility. Joga Singh was protected by Guru Gobind Singh Himself. "jo mili-a har deban si-o so sabhni di banani milia / jithai oh jai-e tithai oh surkharu us kal muhi dithai sabh papi tarla-a" [GGS:87.3] - 'One who is accepted at the Court of Waheguru shall be accepted in the courts everywhere, wherever he goes, he is recognized as honourable.'
9: Gurmukh Singh (London, United Kingdom), June 16, 2012, 1:22 AM.
That is the true Sikh spirit, Harbinder Singh ji! I take Guru Nanak's "jao tao prem khelan ka chao" [GGS:1412] to mean that when we follow the path of the Guru and engage in public activism, we should be prepared to make any sacrifice. Regrets, that more often one's head is demanded by own community, than some external threat! I am reminded of some (maybe well meaning), "tiar-bar-tiar" individuals turning up to threaten me physically at an open forum some years ago, when I condemned life threatening calls to a senior BBC Sikh presenter lady as against Sikhi principles. I am sure you will continue to inspire others through your excellent work focused on Anglo-Sikh relations and Sikh identity. The support you have received says it all. Wishing you Chardi kalaa.
10: Simran Kaur (London, United Kingdom), June 16, 2012, 5:18 AM.
My late grandfather served in the Sikh regiment and settled in the United Kingdom in the late 1950s. It was really only when Harbinder Singh started lobbying for them that their service and sacrifice began to be appropriately recognized. He organized a splendid reunion with British officers of the Sikh regiment at the V & A in 1999. He was the first to invite them to meet the Prince of Wales at the launch of the "Jawans to Generals" exhibition and made sure that the Royal British Legion and others recognized them. He also went to many of the annual lectures at the Imperial War Museum and used to be thrilled to see so many senior British dignitaries there. I have never met Harbinder but just wanted to say how grateful my grandfather was of his efforts. Long may he continue to work on this and other projects.
11: Gurpal Singh (Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom), June 17, 2012, 12:54 PM.
Hello again, Harbinder ji, I met you today over tea at the Oxford University Conference. You have inspired thousands. Forget the distractions - you can't afford to listen to those who gossip or slander or indulge in intrigues; carry on quietly with your work and purpose in life.
12: Arjun Singh (Hull, United Kingdom), June 18, 2012, 2:36 PM.
I have yet to meet a more upright and honorable man.S. Harbinder Singh is a Sikh in the true sense of the word, someone who has has worked tirelessly for the Sikh community in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. He is an absolute blessing to all of us. May his tribe increase!
13: Dr Gurnam Singh (Warwick, United Kingdom), June 20, 2012, 7:36 AM.
Harbinder, your courage, humility and progressive outlook stands out in stark contrast to the cowardly, hateful and regressive mind-set of those anonymous elements who have been briefing the gutter press.
14: Dya Singh (Melbourne, Australia), June 20, 2012, 8:48 PM.
Harbinder ji! Stand tall. You have tremendous support. We hope and pray that all the @%$#-slinging by the unscrupulous has not overly damaged your relationship with the English establishment - your work/seva is of paramount importance to the Sikh quom not only in the UK but worldwide. I will be in UK soon - hope to catch up with you. If there is any way I can be of service to you - you only have to ask. Unashamedly I will say that I am a 'fan' of your inspirational work.
15: Manjeet Shergill (Singapore), June 21, 2012, 11:04 AM.
On my first day in the United Kindom during a recent visit, I was stumped to see the front page article - didn't quite know how to respond, especially when I have only met you once and know only of your work in the U.K. Truth will set us all free - none is the exception. I hope we all can remember we are loved and only here to be tested.
16: Harpreet Kaur (Pomona, California, U.S.A.), June 22, 2012, 6:15 PM.
It is commendable to see Harbinder ji's work to bring positive changes in our environment. I wish more people would improve themselves and others around them like the way he did.