Recognizes remarkable contributions of Tarlochan Singh
Chandigarh :
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, on Friday, unveiled the book titled “S. Tarlochan Singh: Historic Journey”, shedding light on the life of the former Member of Parliament and Padma Bhushan Awardee S. Tarlochan Singh, here at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration.
During the ceremony, the chief guest S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan hailed S. Tarlochan Singh as an individual whose capabilities have solidified his legacy. “As a stalwart in politics, religion and journalism, S. Tarlochan Singh stands out as a prominent figure in the Punjabi community, providing a distinctive identity to the global Sikh community”, he added.
S. Sandhwan said that capturing the tireless work, substantial struggles and numerous achievements of Tarlochan Singh’s life within a book seemed an impossible feat. However, Dr. Prabhleen Singh admirably accomplished this task, unveiling countless facets of S. Tarlochan Singh’s commendable life.
Notably, S. Tarlochan Singh served as the Press Secretary to President of India Giani Zail Singh from 1983 to 1987. He held the post of Chairman of the National Commission on Minorities and remained Rajya Sabha Member from 2005 to 2011. S. Tarlochan Singh voiced his concerns in Parliament on December 14, 2009 against the Sikh massacre of 1984. He passionately expressed his anger over the injustice done to the Sikh community nationwide, demanding justice. He had also advised Giani Zail Singh for the construction of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Marg during Giani Zail Singh’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Ex-MP’s significant contributions spanned across various positions at both the Punjab and national levels, where he executed his duties with distinction, rendering exemplary service. Through his sheer determination, he ascended to the Parliament in Delhi and left an indelible mark in various fields worldwide.
The Speaker stated that S. Tarlochan Singh himself is a distinguished writer, who enlightened our path by penning various serious issues related to history, religion, administration and politics, adding that upon reading the book, it becomes apparent that not only does it shed light on the personal life of Tarlochan Singh, but it also illuminates many significant events in the country’s history and their impact on his life.
S. Sandhwan stated that Sardar Tarlochan Singh forged his destiny by embracing the philosophies of the great Sikh Guru Sahiban. His dedication as a true disciple of the Gurus is evident in his journey.
Referring to his personal association with S. Tarlochan Singh, the PVS Speaker mentioned the strong bond between his grandfather Giani Zail Singh and former MP Tarlochan Singh. He noted that Giani Zail Singh, during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab to his presidency, held deep trust in S. Tarlochan Singh. In turn, the former MP also served with selflessness, integrity and sensitivity, as outlined in the sequence of events in this book.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State Mr. Som Prakash said that Mr. Tarlochan Singh always raised his voice for Punjab and Punjabiat. He said that this book will prove to be a source of inspiration for the coming generations.
While speaking on the occasion, S. Tarlochan Singh said that after facing homelessness during the partition, he resorted to child labour in Patiala for one and half year to sustain his family, he saved a portion of his earnings to enroll in Khalsa School. In 1949, he passed the tenth standard and later obtained an MA in Economics in 1955.
Authored by Dr. Prabhaleen Singh and published by Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, this book delves into the life’s struggle and work done by S. Tarlochan Singh. The author meticulously gathered exceptional information about S. Tarlochan Singh through extensive research from around eight prominent writers.
Dr. Sarabjinder Singh, Dean, Faculty, Humanities & Religious Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, Patiala, Mr. Sandeep Gosh, Editor Outlook, Mr. Suresh Kumar, IAS (Ret.), S. Rupinder Singh, Senior Associate Editor (Retired) The Tribune and author Dr. Prabhleen Singh also spoke and shed light on various aspects of the life of S. Tarlochan Singh, describing him the Encyclopedia of Sikhism.”
Prominent amongst others who were in the event, Dr. SP Singh Oberoi, Managing Trustee, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, Politician S. Balwant Singh Ramuwalia, Former Finance Minister S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Former MLA S. Kanwar Sandhu and others.
