The portrait of Lord Dr. Indarjit Singh, the first turbaned Sikh parliamentarian in the UK and Europe, has been installed in the Bishop’s Corridor of the House of Lords in the British Parliament at Westminster, London for his immense contribution to the house and public services to the nation. This marks the first time a Sikh’s portrait has been displayed in the British Parliament.
The unveiling ceremony of Lord Indarjit Singh’s portrait was attended by British Sikh MPs Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Lord Kuldeep Singh Sahota, Jas Athwal, Kirith Entwistle, MP Richard Bacon, Bhagat Singh Shankar, and Lady Singh Dr Kanwaljit Kaur OBE, with her family and friends.
Lauding Lord Singh’s significant contribution both in the UK upper house and for many years in the broadcasting sector, Lord Speaker Faulkner, Chairman of the House of Lords Heritage Committee, remarked on the occasion that he had brought interfaith understanding and Sikhism to the breakfast tables of the U.K.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi remarked that displaying Lord Indarjit Singh’s portrait in Parliament is a historic step and would serve as a point of attraction for parliamentarians and visitors to this august house. Congratulating the prudent leader Global Sikh Council treasurer Harsaran Singh from Puducherry, said the unveiling of first turban wearing Sikh in the UK parliament, Lord Indrajit Singh's portrait in the River gallery of the House of Lords is a matter of pride for the entire sikh qaum and Punjabi community.
Deputy President of GSC Ram Singh said it is for the first time that a picture of Gursikh will adorn the walls of the historical UK parliament. Deputy President of GSC Paramjit Singh Bedi from USA said it is immense honour for all the Sikhs that the achievements and selfless services of Lord Singh have been recognized at the highest possible level.
GSC secretary Harjeet Singh Grewal said this recognition is a testament to his significant contributions to his lifetime dedication and services to British society, the Sikh community, and interfaith harmony. GSC executive member Jagir Singh Malaysia said Lord Singh’s contribution as parliamentarian and interfaith movement will be a torchbearer for the generations to come.
GSC executive member Satnam Singh Poonia from UK said he is the holder of the title of ‘Baron Singh of Wimbledon’, and has created a milestone and upheld high Sikh values to earn respect from all parties in the British parliament. Describing it a milestone for the entire Sikh community Rajinder Singh, Chairman Sikh Parchar Committee said it would be an immense honor to see a Gursikh permanently grace the walls of the UK Parliament.
WHEN TWO HISTORY-MAKING SIKH LEADERS MET -
First turbaned Sikh elected to the House of Commons of UK Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi meets the first ever turbaned Sikh appointed to the UK House of Lords Indarjit Singh. It was a historic moment as both the turbaned Sikh MPs gathered for the unveiling of Lord Singh’s portrait, which is being installed in the UK Parliament.
While greeting the family and friends they also shared their views on the important issue British society as well as the Sikhs in UK.Mentionably, Labour Party leader Dhesi (46 years) had been elected thrice as mp from Slough constituency since 2017.
Lord Singh, (92 years) CBE, is Member of the House of Lords of since 2011. Lord Singh had been representing the Sikhs on all important occasions including weddings of Princes. In addition to this he had the rare opportunity of presenting a glove to the King Charles III at his coronation denoting gentleness and consideration to those he rules.