Our Heroes
Knighthood For Feisty Sikh-Briton Judge
NEWS REPORTS
Britain's first Judge from the sub-continent - a man known for his outspoken and uncompromising views - was named on Thursday, December 31, 2009 for the country's topmost honour.
Hi Honour Judge Mota Singh, who once shredded the US-led war on terror in an address at the US embassy in London, was named for a knighthood in the British Queen's New Year's Honours List.
The Sardar, 79, who will be officially known as Sir Mota Singh from now on, was knighted for "services to the administration of justice, community relations and to the voluntary sector".
Mota Singh hit the headlines in 1967 when he appeared in a British court as a turban-wearing barrister. In 1982, upon becoming Britain's first Asian judge, he again insisted on wearing his turban rather than the traditional judge's wig to court.
His white turban has become the trademark of his public appearances.
In 2007, when asked to deliver a lecture as chief guest at a Baisakhi Day celebration at the US embassy in London, he said that while he had no objections to America's pursuit of terrorists to bring them to justice, "an unfortunate and inevitable consequence of this otherwise illegitimate policy has been the escalation rather than the curtailment of terrorist activity".
Judge Mota Singh also said he was "appalled" by violent incidents against some Sikhs in America in the aftermath of 9/11, because of their "visual resemblance" to a few Arabs who were turbans.
[You can read his entire speech if you go to the HISTORY Section of sikhchic.com and click on article, "Justice Mota Singh Speaks Out".]
[From report by Dipankar de Sarkar]
December 31, 2009
Conversation about this article
1: I.J. Singh (New York, U.S.A.), December 31, 2009, 5:11 PM.
Congratulations to Sir Mota Singh. A well deserved recognition of a life well lived. The honour is certainly his, but the benefits also accrue to his fellow Sikhs all across the globe.
2: Baljit Singh Rihal, JP (London, United Kingdom), January 01, 2010, 4:48 PM.
The whole Sikh community applauds the wonderful accolade bestowed upon Sir Mota Singh. Heartiest congratulations to a man who has battled adversity to maintain the honour of his religion whilst also serving the Crown. Let his achievements be inspiration for all Sikhs across the globe.
3: Tarsem Singh Ubhi (Milton Keynes, United Kingdom), January 02, 2010, 5:59 AM.
It is a great personal achievement for Sir Mota Singh but to us fellow Sikhs of the world and, in particular, the (ex-)East African "Kala-Singha's" it is a sense of great pride. As they say, "A rising tide raises all ships". Sir, you have elevated our esteem yet again. Thank you, and Congratulations!
4: Ramphal Dwivedi (Kurukshetra, India), January 02, 2010, 11:14 PM.
Congratulations to Sir Mota Singh for his knighthood. He will be remembered not only by the Sikh community but also by all Indians for his human approach.
5: Zorawar Singh (Richmond Hills, New York, U.S.A.), January 03, 2010, 6:14 PM.
I am proud of Sir Mota Singh ji. This reminds me of a song from the Punjabi movie, 'Apni Boli Apna Desh'. The song is titled: "Jhande, jhande gadh punjabiaan ney gadh videsa vich aake". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRY3zp41tPQ