Kids Corner

Daily Fix

Stand By Me

T. SHER SINGH

 

 

 

DAILY FIX

Thursday, June 7, 2012

 

Oh Lord, stand by me
While I walk this lonesome road
Oh Lord, stand by me
Help me bear this heavy load
If I stumble, Lord
Pick me up, Lord
Help me drink this bitter cup
Oh Lord, oh lord, stand by me 

[Old Spiritual]

 

 

Right on cue!

By Monday (June 4, 2012), the world was awash with the story of a blue turban on the Queen’s Boat during her Jubilee celebrations and the flotilla sailing along the Thames.

By Tuesday, e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e was talking about it.

Sikhs everywhere felt good about it. Non-Sikhs everywhere were curious … and impressed.

Our detractors - and we have more than our fair share - as always in these situations, suffered miserably.

Then, right on cue, members of the media received anonymous e-mails telling them that the man in the blue turban - Harbinder Singh Rana - has a past: three decades ago he was accused and convicted of a number of charges, including for sexual assault, and served a sentence for it.

Right on cue!

People around the world are waking up this morning to this “revelation”.

The details about Harbinder’s record are true.

I have known about the facts from 30 years ago for years and years, almost as long as I have known him - which is well over a decade.

Our community has known of all the details for years.

The media and all who ever work with Harbinder have known about it for years.

How?

Because, predictably, right on cue, every time he is in the news - and he is often in the news, because of the extraordinary community work he has been doing during the course of the last two decades - these e-mails arrive on my desk, as they do at various media outlets, and as they do, I’m sure, on the desks of all those who work with Harbinder on his projects … including those at St. James Palace in London.

Which is every couple of years, when, each time, his magnificent work in the community attracts worldwide attention. For instance - to cite but a few examples:

When he had Prince Charles unveil the memorial to Maharaja Duleep Singh in Thetford. I recall I received the e-mails then.

When he spear-headed the celebration of the Duleep Singh centennial. I recall I received the e-mails then.

When he launched the bicentennial celebrations of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh 'coronation'. I recall I received the e-mails then.

When he did the inaugural Anglo-Sikh Heritage Tour across England. I recall I received the e-mails then.

When he began his biggest project yet - the marking of the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. I recall I received the e-mails then.

When he helped establish the annual Saragarhi Memorial Cup to honour the heroes of the great battle. I recall I received the very same e-mails then! 

Years ago, I spoke to Harbinder directly, openly and honestly about it all … and he was forthright.

I was not surprised when I was first informed that he had a past, that he had a flawed history.

In my various arenas of activity, I have come into close contact with every ilk of man - heads of state, heads of religions, heads of corporations, heads of media empires, etc. etc.

I have yet to meet one … even ONE person amongst the whole lot! - who, upon close scrutiny, hasn’t revealed a serious flaw. [I should know … I am one with stains galore!]

My only criteria in judging the person has been: how he (or she) has handled himself from that point on.

As a result, for example, I have known closely a man who spent a complete life sentence in prison for a set of hideous murders. He changed his life around, and I know him now as one of the most spiritual and learned people I’ve ever known.

I have also known, for example, those who the world thinks are saints and God’s gifts to mankind, and I know that they are anything but.

Those in the first category, I gravitate to and work with them with my heart and soul. Those in the second, I avoid like the plague. [That is why I stayed away from the world of politics, I guess.]

Harbinder falls smack in the middle of the first category.

He is a wonderfully decent man, humble and wise.

Much of what I have done in recent years has been inspired by him and his work.

I have seen him from up close doing incredibly selfless things for the sake of the Sikh community, the British nation and for “sarbat da bhalla”.

Again, honestly - those who know me well know me as one who is, to a fault, never prone to either exercising flattery or doling out baseless compliments - I couldn’t think of another Sikh alive anywhere who I could cite for doing better, selfless seva than Harbinder Singh.

Now that I think of it, I would extend that observation for anyone I know within any community, including the world at large.

So, please, please, do not rush to judgement, and particularly not allow those who have vested interests to push our buttons in mischief and get us to react in a knee-jerk fashion.

Let's be wary of the human propensity to see ourselves mirrored in those who do great things, and then suddenly, when confronted with their failings and failures, we flee, disclaiming all affliation and decrying the 'fallen hero' at the drop of a hat.

As a species, we humans are quick to elevate, and quick to destroy our very own.

As Sikhs, we owe ourselves much more. We need to show the same alacrity we showed two days ago in seeing ourselves in him when he was riding high, now, two days later, by still recognizing ourselves in the same man who now has the sheen disappear from his shine. Tearing him down is not the Sikh thing to do.

Are we mere good-weather friends?

[And ... "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone ..."] 

This is time for us to stand back, to look at the overall picture, and to stand by this man.

Some disclosure from me is necessary here.

Yes, I’ve known Harbinder for years, and I list him as a good and dear friend.

However, for a variety of reasons, we’ve been out of touch for several years. I’ve had minimal contact with him for a long, long time, mostly because of my immersion in the secluded lifestyle of a writer.

He hasn’t asked me to write this piece.

He doesn’t know I’m writing it.

But let one thing be loud and clear … I stand with him by his side today, and am proud to be his friend.

  
 

Conversation about this article

1: Jasbir Kaur (Liverpool, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 7:02 AM.

I agree with Sher Singh ji. I am with Harbinder Singh all the way. I know of his work, and though I don't know him personally, I have read and heard and seen a lot about and by him. Let's not get overly reactive over this. Inevitably, every time something good happens, dirt will be thrown at us by our enemies. We can't be perfect, being human, but we can certainly be teflon and carry on with what needs to be done. Forge ahead, Harbinder ji, we are with you all the way. Love and God Bless.

2: Ranjeet (Southampton, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 7:37 AM.

I met Harbinder almost 7 years ago now. He is modest, humble and perhaps one of the most knowledgeable persons I have come across in life. He single handedly prompted in me an interest in Sikhism via Sikh history, and I am proud of the association I have with him and the ASHT. The media response has been callous, to say the least. A cursory google search would have revealed his past, yet some fanfare was no doubt required to stoop to this low - as always do. The way of Guru Nanak inspires all, be they of sin or of none, so to Harbinder I say also, "Forge ahead ... we are with you'.

3: Manpreet Kaur (New Jersey, U.S.A.), June 07, 2012, 7:52 AM.

Harbinder Singh, warts and all, is ours ... and proudly ours. Chardi Kalaa!

4: Bishen Singh (Wales), June 07, 2012, 7:58 AM.

Given his high public profile, the public scrutiny is fair game. But to those who want to jump on the media bandwagon, all I ask is that you first meet two criteria: that a) you yourself have lived a life free of blemish; and that b) you have, in your own life, done at least a fraction of the selfless, meaningful work that this extraordinary man has done for the community. If you qualify, then moan and groan and whine and snivel as much as you please. If you don't, be a decent human being and stand by him.

5: Artika Bakshi (Sri Lanka), June 07, 2012, 8:07 AM.

What a beautifully written piece! Touched my heart! Yes, we all have flaws and it's the petty minded people who only see us for our flaws and not the goodness that we also have!

6: Kul Chahal (Great Britain), June 07, 2012, 10:28 AM.

A True Friend walks in when the whole world walks out ...! You're an inspiration in your own right - Keep up the great work!

7: Jassie (New Delhi, India), June 07, 2012, 10:56 AM.

This man has fulfilled the sentence handed down to him for what he was accused and convicted. He has since become an exemplary sevadaar in the community. He deserves our support. Period. No ifs and buts about it.

8: Daljit Singh Chadha (Birmingham, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 11:24 AM.

We should forgive him for what he did. He has learned his lesson. Everyone makes mistakes. I am glad he has come out with a positive attitude and has changed himself to become a better person from what he was once. A lot of people after serving their sentence continue to follow the same pathway and get into old habits. However from what I have seen this man has changed himself, he is now doing a lot of charity work and has been serving the community, which I think is a good thing. We should all forgive him for his sins and let him live the way he chooses to live now rather than bringing up his past.

9: Gurpreet Singh (Chandigarh, Punjab), June 07, 2012, 12:56 PM.

Have known Harbinder for the past five years and find it impossible to believe what has been published today. If, what the Daily Mirror has quoted as Harbinder's statement, then all I can say is that we should not stand in judgement on a man's past but see what he is doing presently. I agree with Sher Singh ji when he says that we all have a past. In Harbinder's case, I have no qualms in saying that there are very few in our community who feel and work for preserving its grandeur the way he does. Harbinder, carry on with the roar of the LION and let the jackals keep on whining.

10: Rav Dosanjh (The Midlands, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 1:24 PM.

Let the haters hate; obviously great work has been done in the creation of ASHT, and it's mission. We are all sinners to some extent; it is said that every saint has a past, and every sinner a future. Credit to those who have the courage to stand up and be counted.

11: Gurmukh Singh (London, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 1:47 PM.

Dear Sardar T. Sher Singh ji: Thank you for this timely article which I just read with great relief and gratitude! You have said it all.

12: Khushwant Singh (Chandigarh, Punjab), June 07, 2012, 3:59 PM.

My full support for Harbinder Singh. I am all for a man who wants to reinvent himself. And Harbinder has done it in an exemplary way. Should anyone have a question, please feel free to contact me, for I'd love to shut up his detractors.

13: Bicky Singh (Orange County, California, U.S.A.), June 07, 2012, 4:25 PM.

"Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44), said Christ, only to be routinely ignored by many Christians. Modern examples of unChristlike behavior leap to mind, ranging from "born again" George Bush to Bible-holding soldiers of the Iraqi invasion. Christ knew what he was talking about: loving one's friends is easy. It's one's enemies, who present a challenge. My friend Harbinder Singh Rana has his share of enemies both within and outside the community. Harbinder has been a model of rehabilitation, and has never been even remotely connected with any wrong-doing since the 1980s. Rather, he has built himself up to be a pillar of the British and international scene. He has grown to become an inspiration to many people, including myself.

14: Baljit Singh Pelia (Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.), June 07, 2012, 4:31 PM.

There is a lesson to be learned from this episode, that one should not cross the line of legality if you have a desire to play a public role representing a community. Or at the very least stay in the background. The damage done will be hard to erase.

15: Inder Singh (Hagley, Worcestershire, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 5:17 PM.

We all have a past, present and future. Some of us have made serious mistakes in the past, some will make them in the future. The key is learning from them. Harbinder Singh is a very sincere and hard-working Sikh and has done a lot of seva work via, inter alia, ASHT for the knowledge of Sikh history to be passed on to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike worldwide. Harbinder has built ASHT and similar institutions against heavy odds. We stand with you, and we know you stand tall, Harbinder ji. Keep up the good work.

16: Daljit Singh (London, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 5:52 PM.

I have known Harbinder for most of my life and I have rarely come across anyone who has served the Sikh community as selflessly as he has. Unfortunately for his detractors, his record of achievements in the field of Sikh Heritage speaks for itself and there is nothing they can say or do that will erase that record one iota. That is the reason that they keep launching the same attack over and over again in their increasing desperation to undermine his work. I would pose the question to the Sikh community as to who better stands up to scrutiny as a Sikh? Harbinder Singh, whose record of voluntary service, carried out without any desire for recognition or reward, is in the open for all to see and scrutinize, or the snivelling cowards who, as Sher Singh points out, brief against him at every opportunity, but do so from the safety of anonymity? All I would say to Harbinder is, carry on the good work. We are all behind you!! Ignore the grubby tactics of your detractors.

17: The Singh Twins ( United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 6:31 PM.

We just wanted to add our full support for Sher Singh ji's article. Harbinder should certainly be judged on the wonderful work he has done to raise the profile of our community over the past thirty years. And to add: If you're talking about damage to the Sikh Community, we think that the person who is responsible for raking this story up again with the press, has a lot to answer for. They've changed something that had the potential to be extremely positive - in terms of Harbinder's visible Sikh identity within a mainstream and historic event - and turned it into something very negative.

18: A. Aujla (Slough, United Kingdom), June 07, 2012, 7:09 PM.

Just to be short and precise: I know S. Harbinder Singh Rana since 2003 and no doubt he is a hardcore sevak of the Sikh community (a harcore volunteer worker for the last many years). I'll be straight forward: as we all know, there are certain sick elements in every society and community who cannot face or digest the good deeds being done by certain individuals. And it seems they enjoy being in dirty politics. All I can say is, "Shame on them who can stoop so low!" We all stand by you, Harbinder ji, and with ASHT, at all times. Stand taller and keep doing your job as you have done in the past. We expect greater things from you in the future. You are the inspiration to many and to myself as well. Keep going ...

19: Paramvir Singh (England), June 07, 2012, 7:32 PM.

I will not judge Harbinder Singh's character here as no one knows but him and I must only advocate one thing which is that it has taken 115 years for a Sikh to be invited and stand at close proximity to the Royals of England so we should just emphasize on that and celebrate it, instead of a smear campaign against a fellow Sikh which some seem to have sunk nto. Having said that, I challenge if anyone can come to such close proximity and also win so much of trust of the Royals and the amount of fondness that Harbinder has created within the mind and hearts of the royal family for the Sikhs worldwide, and respect for himself and his work. I don't think anyone can ever build such a solid and strong bridge. FYI I am a very enthusiastic, self-taught historian and have been doing research on Anglo-Sikh history for the past 7 years because my ancestors served under the Union Jack after the Anglo-Sikh battles which we lost to the East India Company then. Also, I used to volunteer for ASHT and I left ASHT after very strong personal differences with Harbinder to which I still don't agree with Harbinder, but at this moment, serious though the charges may be, I stand by Harbinder by all means, just like Sher Singh's support for Harbinder - unconditionally - and would strongly advocate everyone else to please be neutral, at the very least, if you cannot support Harbinder Singh in this hour.

20: Sangat Singh  (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), June 07, 2012, 10:34 PM.

"Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,/ Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel;/ But do not dull thy palm with entertainment/ Of each new-hatch'd, unfledg'd comrade." [Shakespeare, 'Hamlet']. Sher ji, what a lovely tribute that wipes away all the blemishes, if any. Think of Ajamal, Balmeek, Bidhi Chand, Bhoomia, Sajjan the Thug, and a hundred more.

21: Pashaura Singh (Riverside, California, U.S.A.), June 08, 2012, 1:10 AM.

"Every saint has a past, every sinner a future." I read these famous lines when I visited Central Jail, Patiala, in 1972-73 as part of my M.A. project to prepare case histories of prisoners. On the last day I invited Dr. Taran Singh to deliver a lecture and he focused on these famous lines. I vividly remember his exposition of Guru Nanak's saakhi with Sajjan the robber who was completely transformed when he listened to the singing of the melodious Suhi hymn by Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana. He became a real saint! He certainly had a past but his future was that of an ideal Sikh of Guru Nanak. Sajjan's house became the first Dharamsal / Gurdwara. Why do we Sikhs forget these inspiring stories? Why do we stoop so low and cannot tolerate the success of others? I was much pleased to see a blue-turbaned Sikh with the royal family and felt a sense of pride. I read the front page of the Indian Tribune today about Harbinder Singh's "past". I was not disturbed by this at all because I know how our detractors cannot stand our glorious achievements. I was much inspired by Sardar Sher Singh's piece and felt really proud of his bold stand. Bravo! sikhchic.com is meeting contemporary challenges!

22: Jags (London, United Kingdom), June 08, 2012, 11:32 AM.

Harbinder has served his sentence and I hope people are offering him and his family support at this difficult time. His work for the Sikh community has been tireless and in due course the media storm will pass and he can continue his good work. Also, I don't see why some people here are viewing this news story as an attack on the Sikh community. That's nonsense. If anyone else on the Queen's boat had a similar past, then that would have been raked up also. It has nothing to do with religion and I fail to see how it blackens the name of all Sikhs. As I say, I hope his friends and family are rallying round him at this difficult time.

23: Dr. Gurnam Singh (Warwick, United Kingdom), June 08, 2012, 12:27 PM.

Harbinder is a very dear friend to me, but much more than this, he has been a real inspiration and role model. I know few Sikhs who have done so much to raise the profile of Sikhi in the West. Long may he continue to do so.

24: Dr,.Birinder Singh Ahluwalia (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), June 08, 2012, 12:31 PM.

I have had wonderful opportunities to meet S. Harbinder Singh on a number of occasions. To me, Harbinder is a devoted Sikh who has contributed immensely and positively not only to British society but also to causes dear to the Sikh community both back in Punjab and in the diaspora (something I cannot say about many who are involved in the current sordid saga of maligning S. Harbinder Singh's good name - no wonder these individuals did not get invited by the Royals in the manner Harbinder was!) Harbinder is respected by the Royal Family for his charisma, accomplishments, intelligence, loyalty and friendship - FOR WHO HE IS AS A PERSON. No one is perfect, in the same token neither am I nor Harbinder nor Sher nor Mahatama Gandhi nor the Royals ... but what is perfect is the loyalty and friendship that Harbinder shown for his country's Royal Family and their love and respect for him. Congratulations to Harbinder and his family, despite the shameful conduct of his detractors. And my best wishes to the Queen on her Jubilee ... she really knows how to throw a world-class party!

25: Gurpreet Singh (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), June 08, 2012, 12:50 PM.

The only problem is we are again facing the biased media bashing. I guess we should completely avoid the media and do the right thing.People can judge for themselves. Who is the media to judge us?

26: Karambeer Kaur (Chandigarh, Punjab), June 08, 2012, 1:03 PM.

I am at a loss, Gurmeet ji, re your comment. There's been no media "bashing", there's been nothing "biased", and it is not directed against "us". The media is merely doing its job, albeit in the usual way - like a runaway train! No one is taking the community at task. The only person who should correctly be answerable is Harbinder ... and he has! He served his sentence! The only ones who are totally in the wrong are the dimwits who raked this story out of the archives to time it with a sensitive date, and created mischief. The community has no need to answer for it; nor does Harbinder any more. I wish him the best, praying that he'll be back in full form before long. My heart goes out to his family ... God bless them!

27: J.G. (Wolverhampton, United Kingdom), June 08, 2012, 4:48 PM.

I am very touched indeed by this article. Fair enough, Harbinder has made some mistakes, but haven't we all? The main thing is he has worked hard to get back up and now it's a hard and long journey back up again, but he needs to know he has all our support. May he make us proud, as we were on Sunday, once again! Waheguru.

28: N. Singh (Canada), June 08, 2012, 7:31 PM.

To be honest, I have been inspired by Harbinder Singh's story. It has taught me that if we put our minds to something no matter what obstacles we have faced and no matter what our past, we can be a success! We can contribute to society and make it a better place for others. It is what we are in the present that matters. The media is an 'ignorant' animal. I have read the comments posted on this story and there are sane people who have asked the question of why bother with rehabilitation if we never allow wrong-doers to outlive and outshine their pasts. If this is how Harbinder Singh is treated, can you imagine how a young offender who has paid his dues to society and who wants to start afresh, what chance can he expect? What hope is there for him? This a larger issue than Harbinder Singh. People need to take a long hard look at themselves and their values before casting stones at others and consider what sort of society they want to create. Shame on the stones throwers and my full support to S. Harbinder Singh!

29: S.P. Singh (Chandigarh, Punjab), June 08, 2012, 11:37 PM.

S. Harbinder Singh Rana indeed is a gem of a man and a true Sikh. I had met him only once in Hotel Mountview over a cup of Coffee and since then have had his pious image in my brain. I will plead strongly to judge him with his present, not past. Both history and mythology are full of saints - Valmiki, Parshuram, Angulimaal - who came from terrible pasts. Guru Nanak pulled out Sajjan and Kauda from their evil worlds. All of us have our own dark sides, so let us keep on loving dear Harbinder for the good work he does and has done.

30: Manjeet Shergill (Singapore), June 09, 2012, 1:20 AM.

Maybe it's me - I just don't get it. If I was Harbinder, I would not have accepted the invite to be on the boat. Why do we still feel we need some kind of acceptance - to be seen with the royals, the rich, the haves and have nots. We have problems/issues - the sooner we acknowledge them and seek solutions, the better. To be honest, Harbinder's life is pretty predictable and common. Life is too short for healing and to stand by him or me. S. Harbinder Singh ji stands alone and stands strong on his own.

31: Sunny Garcha (London, England), June 09, 2012, 3:49 AM.

I do not know Harbinder Singh Rana but I do know the amazing work that is being done on behalf of the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail. I also know it's a long life to go without making mistakes. He too failed, and paid his dues. He deserved a chance at redemption and has done well with the efforts he makes to promote Sikhi. He clearly has some high profile/respected backers from the Sikh community but in all honesty, though, given his past, it was probably best that somebody else had represented the community on the royal boat.

32: Harinder (Uttar Pradesh, India), June 09, 2012, 3:57 AM.

Nobody kicks a dead dog. Keep up the good job you are doing these days.

33: Kay Friend  (Oxfordshire, England), June 09, 2012, 11:44 AM.

I am not a member of the Sikh community. Yet I have had the honour of knowing this man for over 5 years. He has always been a true friend to me, and has never been anything other than a complete and utter gentleman. You should all be proud of him. He is the embodiment of all that I aspire to be, and I continue my difficult life every day with the inspiration that he has provided and he gives me the strength to forge ahead. Harbinder deserves our loudly demonstrated love and support. He has, after all, done so very much for us, and asked nothing in return. We are WITH you, Harbinder!... ALWAYS!

34: Mitra Manesh [Former Ontario Human Rights Commissioner] (Beverly Hills, California, U.S.A.), June 10, 2012, 2:52 PM.

I met Harbinder Singh a decade ago in England. He touched my heart not so much with what he had "done" or with his association with the 'who's who' of the world, but with his humble, truthful, gentle way of "being". When one becomes an alchemist, the more "stone" one has, the more "gold" one'll end up with. Harbinder ji, my respect for you was elevated when I found out how you have turned your past mistakes into an impressive life of honest community service. May the rest of us, Sikh or non-Sikh, do the same with our mistakes.

35: Pritpal Singh  (London, United Kingdom), June 10, 2012, 3:18 PM.

Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone - I guess there will be no stone throwing!

36: Balwinder Saund (United Kingdom), June 11, 2012, 5:35 AM.

The Sikh Women's Alliance has worked with Sardar Harbinder Singh as part of his Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail work, and found him respectful of everyone. If the man committed his crimes and served his sentence 26 years ago, he should be given a second chance. Harbinder Singh ji now devotes his life to promoting good relations within the Anglo_Sikh community and he does not deserve to be treated like this. Members of the Sikh Women's Alliance have attended many projects which Harbinder Singh ji has initiated, like The Maharaja Duleep Singh Memorial, commemoration of Rani Jindan's first place of 'burial' in Kensal Green Cemetery, the Chhatri Memorial in Brighton, etc. So we know all the good work he has done. We unequivocally support our Sikh brothers who do such good seva.

37: Amarjit (Ambi) Singh Kalra (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), June 11, 2012, 5:49 AM.

I have had dealings with Harbinder over the course of a decade now, and have known him in both public and personal life. I am appalled at the paparazzi style coverage which has been recently precipitated by his (and the community's) detractors. Instead, I believe we should be honouring him for his extraordinary acievements towards building sound multi-faith relationship between the Sikhs and the British society as a whole. The man is absolutely phenomenal in a most positive way and should be honoured as one of the most respectable British citizens anywhere. There were good reasons why Harbinder was invited on the Royal Barge to share the momentous occasion with the Royal Family. It in itself is a moment that should be celebrated.

38: Dya Singh (Melbourne, Australia), June 11, 2012, 7:14 AM.

Thank you, Sher Singh Ji. I too will stand by my friend Harbinder - or even any other...so called 'sinner', who does seva like he is doing. Shame on the shameless, especially if they call themselves Sikhs, who sent in anonymous emails to the media! Tears of joy at seeing a turban on the 'royal barge' turned into dismay when all this 'chikarr' came forth. Don't these scumbags who 'throw stones' realize that by doing this they not only hurt a great sevaadar but also hurt the whole Sikh commmunity? I am of course assuming that Sikhs were responsible for this 'chikarr' - if they are not, then the purpose of this exposure was surely to hurt the good name of the Sikh Quom. To my good friend Harbinder, I say, 'Remember, for every detractor, you have literally thousands of supporters for the great seva you are doing ... and for being the wonderful person I know you are. You have paid your dues ... chin up. I know what it is like to have 'chikarr' thrown at you!

39: Peter Singh Bance (London, United Kingdom), June 11, 2012, 10:16 AM.

Well said, Sher ji! We are at times quick to look at the negatives in one another and not the positives in what one does, and some elements are quick to chop someone down when one reaches a certain degree of success. Since 1993, when I as a student first met Harbinder, I have seen him almost single handedly raise the profile of Sikhs in British society. He gave us a voice, a stage, he made it the norm for a high level British dignitary to attend and support the very smallest of Sikh events and raise its platform. The person(s) who brought this story to the press again for their own selfish intentions, was perhaps intending to tarnish Harbinder which in reality has worked very negatively on the whole community. Last Sunday should have been a platform for us to go on and reach newer heights with Harbinder seen by millions with the Royal Family, but that has sadly now been postponed. Can those people now step in Harbinder's place and carry on his great community work and service? I sadly think not.

40: Parminder Kaur Dosanjh (West Midlands, United Kingdom ), June 12, 2012, 4:06 AM.

"I want to revisit my faith!" "I feel proud when learning about my heritage!" These comments are repeatedly chanted by people who come into contact with The Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail. I worked with ASHT in the past, and met some of the most inspiring of people; Harbinder Singh is one of them. I watched a man with tireless commitment spread the word, and encourage people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds join a journey learning about Sikh heritage. A person with faith will always stand. Harbinder, there are many of us who are standing by you.

41: Arvinder Singh (United Kingdom), June 12, 2012, 10:16 AM.

I would like to express my feelings of sadness about the Harbinder Singh situation. It hurts that our community takes one step forward, ten backwards. I don't understand why someone flagged up his past that he's paid his dues for, and at such a juncture. I think someone very mischievous, not caring for or even wanting the hurt it would cause the community as well. I hope it will not affect Harbinder's family too much, especially the young ones. At this time he needs support and care too. I've see his work and ongoing projects and hope he will carry on working regardless of this shameful act by someone so selfish and unkind. This is not Sikhi. In our ardaas, we give great importance to "dekh ke andditth keeta" ... are these words that people don't understand?

42: Kuldip Singh Lall (Birmingham, United Kingdom), June 14, 2012, 2:17 AM.

Judge yourselves before you judge others. Harbinder is a dear friend and has been for a number of years. I agree with the sentiments of T. Sher Singh completely. Sangat jiyo, stop pointing fingers and start doing seva, just as S. Harbinder Singh has done.

43: Manjeev Sachar  (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.), June 15, 2012, 10:51 AM.

The Sikh community and every God-fearing soul believe in forgiveness for the most hideous crimes and sins against mankind. Sikh history and teachings of the Guru Granth have ample of examples. Since this gentleman has paid his dues to society, his record should be considered clean and nulled. Any reference to his stained past should be made social taboo. All honor and respect be bestowed to Veer ji for his seva to world.

44: Inderbhajan Singh Palahey (Leicester, United Kingdom), June 15, 2012, 3:13 PM.

I have only known Harbinder Singh for a year or so, but with all my meetings and dealings with him, I can clearly see this is a truly honest, noble and honourable gentleman, and to see him on the royal barge was simply amazing, I felt incredibly proud to be a Sikh. I did't know of his past, but frankly, that was 26+ years ago! Since then, not a blemish: this is truly a model reformist and anyone with any past negative history should take note. What an extrordinary, salubrious gentleman, dedicated to such astonishing seva, in a truly sophisticated manner: he is a role model for us all and long may he continue his efforts ...

45: Channi Matharu (Hong Kong), September 11, 2013, 11:25 PM.

The lord does indeed work in mysterious ways. This morning I received celebratory greetings from an Englishman on the Battle of Saragarhi; I am ashamed to admit that I knew nothing about it but the wonderful world of Google provided an immediate source of education and ultimately, a link to Harbinder Singh Rana. It just so happens that he and I were students together in Teesside in the seventies and were very close friends for a long time until we lost contact in the eighties. All I can say is that his misdemeanours seem very uncharasteristic based on his behaviour as a student but like most other contributors to this forum, I say that he has served his sentence and should now be allowed to get on with his life. The fact that he has chosen to be a high profile member of the Sikh community should demonstrate his determination to face his past and not let it hinder his future. If you read this Harbinder, keep it up.

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