Tarlochan Singh

Born on 28th July 1931, an octogenarian now, S. Tarlochan Singh has always been very active in public service, social service and religious affairs, particularly those of Sikhs. He has held very high positions in public service, including those of Press Secretary to the President of India, Chairman Delhi Tourism, member and then 1st Sikh Chairman of National Minorities Commission from 2003 to 2006. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha. Whereas, he has always protected the interest of all the minorities and weaker sections, he has been the most forceful voice of Sikhs during all these years. When Gujarat riots took place, he (As Vice Chairman of National Minorities Commission) organized a meeting between the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Muslim leaders and VHP leaders.
The meeting had the desired effect and led to mutual discussions which calmed and cooled the situation. He acted as bridge between the State Government and the Muslim leaders to sort out and resolve the problems, grievances and issues arising from the terrible violence caused by the riots. When certain priests and nuns were attacked in Orissa, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh, he had organized a meeting between the RSS, VHP and Christian leaders for the removal of misunderstanding between them. So far Sikhs are concerned, there is hardly any Sikh issue or matter on which he has not expressed himself boldly and convinced others. Whether it was the matter regarding Udham Singh Nagar, or murder of Sikhs in Chatti Singh Pura in Kashmir Valley or objectionable matte regarding Sikh religion in NCERT Books or the treatment of Sikh farmers in Gujarat, or even turban issue in France, he always raised voice in support of Sikhs. When he represented before constitution review Commission, he convinced them that the Sikh have a separate identity of their own. Even the RSS Chief accepted this view point at that time. His efforts led to a discussion on Sikh killings in Delhi in 1984 in Rajya Sabha, where in his emotional speech on 14th Dec 2009 moved all the members present in the house and convinced them that this tragic incident could not be treated as riots, but, a well planed genocide of innocent law abiding Sikhs all over the country, particularly, in Delhi where even Police connivance was clearly evident. He also invited everyone’s attention to the faulty judicial system which has failed to give justice to Sikhs. He has been an excellent orator, a highly read columnist and an outstanding writer. That is why his views and suggestions have always been highly valued and accepted. S. Tarlochan Singh has been honored by various organizations for his outstanding contribution in various spheres including sports administration and his efforts to promote the Sikh tenets and teachings of the Masters as enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He is known for spreading the message of love, spiritual harmony and universal brotherhood as given by the Gurus. When he was honored with lifetime Achievement Award 2014 in London, he was rightly described as an able parliamentarian, an administrator par excellence, a well read columnist, a successful communicator and a proven administrator, a great role model in deed.