Columnists
T.Sher Singh Responds to Recent News Reports ...
I am writing to respond to the recent news reports on the proceedings in the Law Society against me.
I played the game for a while, after the matter first erupted a few years ago. But, as time went by, I found myself shadow-boxing with a variety of vested interests: it is no secret that I have stepped on many toes during my career as a litigation lawyer and an advocate on justice issues.
I have enjoyed the immense pleasure and privilege of being part of the Law and Order scene, as well as of the Media, and know firsthand their power to both emancipate and emaciate.
Having seen the full gamut of it all from close quarters and being aware of the minefields, I have decided to steer away completely and avoid entanglement.
I simply refuse to become a litigant and defend myself against suggestions that I misappropriated four thousand dollars from a man who I helped for several years with my heart and soul, and who continues to owe me fees in the amount of approximately $150, 000.00. Or that I haven't accounted for a thousand dollars here or fifteen hundred dollars there to a handful of people who have come out of the woodwork after my troubles became news. Or to answer a disgruntled litigant who I had successfully sued for fraud on behalf of his ex-wife, and who now wants me to be removed from the rolls of the Order of Canada.
My life has been an open book: I have lived a very public life, I have worn my heart on my sleeve, and I have bared my soul in my writings.
There is enough out there for people to be able to judge me on my reputation, which will have to stand or fall on what I have done in the fifty-eight years of my life, rather than on what I may have to say today, while being accused of petty wrongs.
I practiced law for twenty years - honourably, professionally and with the utmost integrity. I have, of course, made my share of mistakes - and I have readily acknowledged them and taken full responsibility for them and my faults.
But I have done no wrong. Other than that I have worked a little too hard, a bit too passionately, for my clients and those who I have otherwise represented.
I have, since approximately three years ago, decided I have reached a time in my life when I need to spend some quiet time, and to stay away from conflict, which had been an integral part of my life as a busy litigation lawyer for two decades. Accordingly, I voluntarily resigned from the Law Society and closed my practice in 2005 ... for good. And have not looked back since.
Conversation about this article
1: Khushwant Singh (Chandigarh, Punjab, India), September 17, 2007, 8:41 AM.
It has been my pleasure to know T. Sher Singh. The first time I met him was during his visit to India in 2006. During the course of selecting personalities for my book (originally Sikh-Canadians were to be part of "Sikhs Unlimited"), he was highly recommended by a cross-section of society that included Sikhs as well as non-Sikhs. The recent news suggesting that he might be stripped of his honour (Order Of Canada) due to alleged foul play, is a bolt out of the blue. Having read both the news and T Sher Singh's response, being judgmental on a mere news item is being harsh on him. Those who know him, can vouch for that.
2: Manjit Kaur (North Potomac, Maryland, U.S.A.), September 17, 2007, 9:50 AM.
You do not have to justify anything in your life. The people of Canada and the world know how you have conducted yourself out there in a dog-eat-dog world. It is a shame you are being judged on petty grievances. In the sum total, you have served with your soul and in the eyes of Waheguru, you are a true hero. People who know you will always hold you in high regard: you are serving the panth and that is what matters the most.
3: Ajai Singh (Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.), September 17, 2007, 11:53 AM.
As a member of the bar here in Minnesota and a litigator, I appreciate the place you reached in your career and know the problems. As an old attorney at my first job told me - if you work in this job long enough and don't irritate a few people (clients and adverse included), you probably haven't been doing your job. We have the unpleasant job of telling people things they do not want to here and when they refuse to see the truth of the situation they are in, they blame us. We are not infallible, but more often than not, we are honourable.
4: Jessi Kaur (California, U.S.A.), September 17, 2007, 1:26 PM.
I have known T. Sher Singh only for a few months but I am touched by the generosity of his spirit and his sincerity. He shines through his work. I am terribly sorry for what he is going through. May Waheguru give him the courage to withstand the onslaughts of jealousy and pettiness. Remember, "Koorr na khute Nanaka, Urak sachh rahi" - Falsehood will fail, truth will prevail." Guru raakha, Guru ang sang.
5: M. Banwait (Fort McMurray, Canada), September 17, 2007, 9:43 PM.
Who cares what the media or anyone else has to say? Buy yourself a fishing pole and enjoy retirement - if anyone deserves it, it's you, T. Sher Singh.
6: Nirinjan Singh (Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.), September 17, 2007, 10:40 PM.
To my dear friend: As usual, an ever so eloquently written response to those who do not deserve one. I do not think you have to worry much: those that know you, know how valuable you are; and those that don't, should not judge you without knowing you. It simply proves the point, as another stated earlier, that you measure the value of change (and those that are undone by progressive changes) not by those who congratulate you, but by those who would undo you. There is a simple but true saying about those who give selflessly to bring positive change, and that is: "No good deed goes unpunished". Thank you for being who you are.
7: Parm S. Chahal (Brampton, Canada), September 17, 2007, 10:48 PM.
Sher, it has been said that you can never believe what you read in the papers. I learned that a few years ago. You have just reiterated it. Sher, if there is anything you need ...
8: K. Singh (U.S.A.), September 18, 2007, 1:36 AM.
May God awaken the hidden power within you to achieve whatever else you want to achieve.
9: Gurdarshan Singh Dhaliwal (Waterloo, Canada), September 18, 2007, 8:08 PM.
The moment I read the news, I thought it was a kind of a joke. It cannot be true. Incidents and dollar figures are itself hard to believe. I am your fan and all I can say is nobody can conquer or stop the truth. Waheguru is always with you and I know you will keep on working for the welfare of society.
10: Bakhsish Singh (Brampton, Canada), September 18, 2007, 8:21 PM.
Just keep your good work going. "Kuch to log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna" (People will say things ... For that's the way of the world!")
11: Pritam Singh Grewal (Canada), September 18, 2007, 10:38 PM.
To a person with Sikhi awareness, I can commend the Guru's following words of wisdom. 'soee siaana so patwanta, hukum laggai jiss meetha jio' He/she alone is wise and honorable who loves to abide by God's command. May the therapeutic touch of such Gurbani lines be of restorative support to T Sher Singh!
12: Sukhminder Singh Hansra (Brampton, Ontario), September 19, 2007, 1:15 AM.
I am bothered by the fact that Sher Singh is not defending himself. He has done so for others, NOW it is time for him to come out and defend himself. NOT for himself, as he wrote that he is least interested in defending himself, but for thousands of other young Sikh-Canadians who look up to Sher Singh as a role model.
13: Hew McLeod (Dunedin, New Zealand), September 20, 2007, 2:31 AM.
Sher Singh is a truly noble Sikh. His dismissal from the list of practising lawyers and the possibility that he may be further punished is ludicrous in the extreme. He deserves the strongest support.
14: Bhupinder Singh Mahal (Dundas, Ontario, Canada), September 21, 2007, 11:31 AM.
Sher, this time of adversity shall pass. I have known you as a person who does things quietly, preferring to hide good deeds and, when they become public, to let them talk for you. Your footprint in the annals of Sikhdom is indelible. You are the quintessential kar sevak, an amicus humani generic.
15: I.J. Singh (New York, U.S.A.), September 22, 2007, 6:26 AM.
Those who are working so hard to rescind the honor so richly deserved by Sher need to explore some of the international outpouring of affection and respect that Sher commands. The sheer foolishness of their misdirected energy is mind boggling. This too shall pass; keep in mind the lines of gurbani, "dukh daroo sukh rog bhaya..."
16: Rajinder (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), September 22, 2007, 11:58 PM.
I've never met Mr. Singh in my life but only read his articles, and seen him on CBC a couple of times. I must say that he gained my respect for what he stands for and for his insight of the issues in Canadaian Society. I don't know and don't care what he's accused of. All I know is that if he doesn't want to defend himself, then it's the Sikh Sangat who should defend him. We waste our resources on useless exhibitions/melas/Jalooses, why not use our political/economical/social might to defend him? After all, he's a role model for many of us.
17: M.Kaur (North Potomac, U.S.A.), September 23, 2007, 11:30 AM.
Thank you, Rajinder from Edmonton: finally a voice from Canada! Where are the institutions built in Canada for over 100 years by/for the Sikhs? I urge the Canadian sangat to support a sole soul who has been quietly serving not only the Sikhs but non-Sikhs as well from behind the scenes. It is not everyday we have a noble person who can present Sikhs in an intelligent and positive way in this society. It has now become a pattern: whenever there is positive representation on our behalf, something negative follows quickly thereafter. We, as the Guru's sangat, need to turn this situation into a positive one and not let anyone use this situation to mess around with his Order of Canada. Look into the history of the Order: how many Sikhs hold the title? Haven't Sikh-Canadians done enough for their country? If you need proof of how fast Dr. T. Sher Singh moves on issues, just think back a few weeks ago when the Singh/Kaur name issue came up. We need intelligent people to lead us: please make sure you're heard by the Canadian government, and don't fail to stand tall for truth.
18: Palwinder Singh (Vancouver, Canada), September 23, 2007, 8:49 PM.
I think Bhai T.Sher Singh is great in the way he has represented us with the power of his "words". I wish he would also take up the cause of justice in India for the victims of the 1984 genocide.
19: Bicky Singh (Orange, California, U.S.A.), September 27, 2007, 2:02 PM.
What is happening to T. Sher Singh is a prime example of what we need to change in the Sikh community of today. There are those who seek to truly serve the greater Sikh community with all their being (like Sher), and there are those amongst us who seek to serve their own egos and agendas by slandering and undermining those who do serve. We don't need to take any closer look at Sher; his life is indeed an open book. He loves Sikhi and he serves it. The ones we need to come down heavily on are those who are self-absorbed and do not allow any one else's opinion but their own - and if you disagree with them, you become the target of their negativity. These are the ones that weigh our community down.
20: Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh (Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.), September 28, 2007, 10:21 AM.
Sardar T.Sher Singh and I have met only recently but I have known about him for quite some time. I find him to be very thoughtful, kind, generous, enlightened and charming. He carries about him an all-embracing spirit and respect for life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, not just his own but for others that have the pleasure of knowing him. We all know that Sardar Sher Singh is a distinguished writer and cultural commentator, a brilliant and courageous visionary, and an honoued humanitarian. His scholarship and dedicated commitment to educating people about the Sikh faith and heritage through his imaginative endeavors and involvement like the Macauliffe Institute and The Spinning Wheel Film Festival and coutless contributions to the Canadian society have earned him the highest honor of his adopted country of Canada and respect of countless Sikhs and non-Sikhs from around the world. In spite of his distinguished achievements, I find him to be humble and gracious. Dr. T. Sher Singh has the courage of a lion and an illumined understanding of the world around us. Through his writings and actions, he has often invited us to look outside the box and made us aware of the unimagined opportunities and serious challenges we face as recent immigrants to new lands. We suddenly find ourselves on a world stage where our failures and achievements are under a constant and powerful microscope. His work and mature and measured words have added dignity and strength to causes, at times at great personal risk to his safety and reputation, that carry lessons and an example for all of us as world citizens. He is a special treasure as a Canadian and a Sikh-Canadian, but he is even a greater treasure as a world citizen and a man of great vision, scholarship, and many gifts. Does he have faults? He must have and I know that I do. I daily remind myself: "Hum nahee chungay, burra nahee koyee."- GGS I am praying along with Sher's legions of friends and supporters that his name and integrity will be restored and that he will continue his incredible seva of the Canadian society, the world Sikh community, our many faiths, cultures, and causes. I pray that we will learn to see the goodness and light of others and not dwell on the darkness and not allow ourselves and others to indulge in the thoughtless task of destroying and dismantling others. I pray that issues of concern will be resolved quickly. We have other greater challenges to address: the issues of ignorance, mistaken idenitity, discrimination and harassment, and unprovoked violence and hate crimes against the innocent, and the promise of hard-working and loyal Sikh citizens and future generations. We should in solidarity do all that we can to build our community, celebrate our achievements, and honor our guiding lights and courageous leaders. We have been ordered by Guru Nanak Devjee to scatter to the ends of the earth and to serve humanity with all the goodness and gifts that Sutguru has blessed unto us. I am not here to cause injury to others or express unfounded malice against others. We should all be committed to seeing greatness of others and celebrating that which lifts the spirit of our community and all humanity by what they bring to the feast of life. Dr. T Sher Singh has much to contribute with his vast experience and deep interests in many facets of our humanity. I am personally grateful for his friendship and the example that he has set before me to follow and celebrate as a blessing. With prayers and blessings.
21: Harbinder Singh Rana (Birmingham, U.K.), September 28, 2007, 4:10 PM.
I thought long and hard before writing on this issue. My hesitation was not that I doubted for one second T.Sher Singh's integrity and credentials. It was more a case of not wanting to give any adverse importance to an issue which is clearly borne out of ulterior motives. I have not read any of the so called "reports" on this matter. I refuse to do so. In order to refute them does not require me to be familiar with the allegations. I stand by Sher for the same reasons that brought me into contact with him - his selfless service to the Sikh cause. That is the only reference he requires. It is inevitable that his high profile will irritate others, whilst to most Sikhs it is a beacon of hope and leadership. He is a man of conscience who measures his every breath and action by the benefit it can bring to the noble faith of the ancestors who have instilled the Sikh spirit into him. He needs no defence. As Gurbani says, "Jis da Sahib dadda hoe, tis no maar na sake koe".
22: Dya Singh (Adelaide, Australia), September 28, 2007, 7:14 PM.
So the hyenas are having their say and snapping at your heels - hah? When you get condemned, hounded, criticised, etc. it means the time has come to take your place amongst those who make a difference. Wear this like a badge, my friend. There are those who will support you, rest assured, no matter what. In the eyes of 'us' who stand by you, we know what kind of a person you are. The 'Sher' must fight back, even as the hyenas snap at your heels. May Waheguru Almighty look over you and guide you through this period.
23: Chintan Singh (San Jose, California, U.S.A.), October 01, 2007, 7:05 PM.
I have known Dr. T. Sher Singh for about 6 years now and, knowing him, I can well imagine what has happened here. Sher Singh is a perfectionist and an extremely passionate person in whatever he does. He has never compromised when it comes to dedication and commitment and demanded nothing but the best out of himself and those that have worked with him. Those that are unable to meet his high standards of professionalism and community service are jealous and are trying to get back to him during his times of test but as always he will come out of this victorious and even more stronger, I am sure.
24: Gurdish Singh Mangat (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), October 02, 2007, 4:23 PM.
Sher Singh ji, we continue to honour and respect you. Knowing the kind of work you do, the news did not surprise me. Just keep doing the good work and not care about what others say.
25: Satwinder Singh Sidhu (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), October 11, 2007, 4:15 PM.
When it comes to Sikhs in the Diaspora, Toronto is THE cultured city, second to none. The events and festivals held here raise the bar of the standards we see ourselves by. And most of the times they set a precedent. Of course, this has trickled down to the other parts of the world. But Toronto is the fountainhead. We owe it all to one person, T. Sher Singh, who has been an inspiration for many persons and events. I have known T. Sher Singh for the past few years and, without fail, have been highly inspired after every meeting. You would think meeting a person many times would lessen your yearning to meet again, but my desire grew stronger. I learnt a lot and got a totally different and unique perspective on things, in other words went away wiser and in increased awe for this person. So much so, that I named my son after him. I hope my son can live up to the person he is named after. He has been a mentor, a friend and a teacher. I feel so grateful to Waheguru that we crossed paths. He does his work with class and then hands it over to the next person. This is something which is not that common in our community. Clinging to the events or organizations is part of the culture we are brought up in. T Sher Singh has displayed a different trait here as well raised the bar again. He started many organizations and events, ran them successfully or did them with class. And then moved on, after he had prepared a successor. With this modus operandi, he gave the community so much. So much and so well done. I did not know how to react or what to say to him. I wanted to call him for the past year or so and say hello. Then I read this article. I have my answer. I realize that T. Sher Singh will keep up to his name and sail through this with grace. I don't know how, but I am sure he will. I look forward to being further inspired.
26: Mahinder Kaur Doman (Canada), October 29, 2007, 2:38 PM.
My acquaintance with T.Sher Singh is through his writings, and through his television work. I wish the highest and best for him and know his Truth will prevail. All else will fade away. My brother Harbanse Singh Doman died this summer. During the course of his lifetime, he was accused of misdeeds which never happened. Yet there are those human beings who keep successful persons in a flurry of inuendos only to tarnish their goodness. I look forward to hearing more from T.Sher Singh. Stay well, T. Sher Singh.
27: Gagandeep Singh (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), July 22, 2009, 11:15 PM.
With utmost respect, I can say that T. Sher Singh has responded greatly and with poise in difficult times. He has learned a great deal from his life's experiences and I hope he gives others the opportunity to learn from him. Thank you for your resilient work!
28: Mary Smart (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), February 01, 2014, 11:50 AM.
When I heard racist comments from students in my high school classroom years ago, I invited T. Sher Singh to come and talk with them. Although the target of my students' racist comments was a man of Pakistani origin who had recently been shoved onto the subway tracks at the Islington or Kipling station, Sher Singh spoke to them with wisdom and patience. He encouraged respect for people's religious and cultural traditions, and shared with this group of teenagers his own traditions. It was one of the best classes I've witnessed in 43 years as a teacher. I only learned of the challenge to Sher Singh's reputation yesterday (January 31, 2014) when it was announced on The National that he has been stripped of his Order of Canada award. I believe the Governor General was ill advised concerning this wise and principled man.
29: Andrew and Bridget Nankivell (Elora, Ontario, Canada), June 10, 2014, 8:31 AM.
Our belief is that the mere thought of putting T. Sher Singh in this category is pure and utter subterfuge. Not only is Sher the most interesting person we have ever met, but one of the truly ethical lawyers I have ever encountered. Sher worked tirelessly, constantly and professionally at every point during our legal proceedings. Our children, ourselves and my family owe Sher an unyielding debt of gratitude. As many have stated here, Sher, you owe no person any apology and we are glad you have found true peace. Besides my father, you are the most distinguished person that we/I have had the pleasure to meet, and your moral compass has always been pointed in the correct direction. We salute you.
30: Ramesh Sehgal (Brampton, Ontario, Canada), November 23, 2014, 12:22 PM.
I met him first time yesterday at his house/temple. It was like meeting a man full of gentleness and humanity. I can say with 100% in-built confidence and judgement that he is and he will be my guide and coach in truth, humanity, love and affection in a brotherly relationship.