Dr. Rikhi Thakral
Dr. Rikhi Thakral, S/o S. Kartar Singh Thakral (a renowned Sikh business tycoon of Singapore) was
born on 23.04.1963 in Bangkok. Right from his childhood, he was influenced by his religious parents,
S. Kartar Singh Thakral and Sdn. Narinder Kaur Thakral. Sikh teachings and way of living considerably
impressed him. Keeping the principle of Sarbat Da Bhala in mind, he was impressed by those persons
also who had sympathy and concern for ordinary people. Such persons included the King of Siam and
Mother Theresa (who has recently been canonized as a SAINT by Pope). Rikhi had joined his family
business at very early age and played a vital role in expanding it to various countries like Singapore and
China. What makes Rikhi a distinguished role model is not merely his position as an Executive Director
of the Thakral group, but mainly because of his philanthropic tendency which went on increasing with his
age. He founded in-Sewa (God’s work) a non-profitable humanitarian and social foundation focusing on
unprivileged children. This organization meets their educational needs, providing all kinds of facilities for
making school buildings, proper seats and tables for classrooms, toilets for sanitation and sports equipment
for children’s enjoyment and physical health. With his efforts and contribution, Rikhi Thakral has been able
to bring a significant improvement to society. That is why, he has earned lot of honors and appreciations.
He was conferred an “Honorary Doctor of Humanity” from University of Cambodia in July 2004 for his
compassion and enthusiasm for helping the less fortunate in the field of education, health and in creating
new means of livelihood..
He was conferred the award of “Badge of Ho Chi Minh City ‘An honorary
Citizenship Award, by the hairman of People’s Committee for ‘support’ towards the physically challenged
children of HCMC, Vietnam. he has been conferred the prestigious award of “Grand Cross of the Royal
Order of Monisaraphon” from his Majesty king Norodom Sihamoni for his support to Cambodia’s human
resource and intellectual development. He was awarded the ‘Medal of Molisa’ by Minister of Molisa,
Vietnam, for his outstanding contribution to the cause of Labour, invalid and social affairs. He has been
bestowed the ‘Medal of Friendship’ by the President of Vietnam, for his positive contribution to the social
protection. He has also been conferred ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ with the rank of Mohaseriweath from
Dr. Rikhi Thakral
500 Sikh 32 Role Models
the King of Cambodia for his support in the field of higher education. He has been awarded ‘Medal for the
Development Cause of Vietnam National University Hanoi’ from Vietnam National University. He is a
highly motivated, Global thinker with strong marketing, business development and technology experience.
Teachings and beliefs of the Sikh Religion have largely influenced his structure of thinking. In view of all
these facts, he figures not only a great motivator for all the young people but also a great human being of
whom we can all feel proud.