Judge Sir Mota Singh QC honoured by The British Sikh Association
4 May 2010

The British Sikh Association celebrated Vaisakhi (13 April 2010) by honouring Judge Sir Mota Singh QC with the Pride of the Sikh Community Award. Over 300 guests attended this event along with Attorney General,The Rt. Hon Dominic Grieve MP, Baroness Verma, Mr Asif Ibrahim, Minister Coordination at India House, Mrs Monika Mohta, Director Nehru Centre, Mr Dolar Popat, Hindu Forum Britain and Chairman of the Punjab National Bank, Mr KR Kamath. The 'Pride of the Sikh Community' Award was presented to Sir Mota by Mrs Monika Mohta, Director Nehru Centre London on behalf of the Indian Community.

The General Secretary, Dr. Sukhbir Singh Kapoor welcomed the guests and reminded everyone of the green fields and splendour of Punjab and the love stories of Heer -Ranjah, Sassi-Pannu and Mirza- Shaiba. Most importantly the creation of the Brotherhood of Khalsa by the 10th Guru, Gobind Singh Ji which changed the fate of everyone for good. The President, Mr. TS Sahni described how Guru Gobind Singh Ji turned the oppressed into saint soldiers by embedding qualities of compassion, righteousness and courage. Guru Gobind Singh Ji turned the meek into lions (Singhs).

The saint soldiers became the defenders of human rights of every Indian regardless of race or religion. The creation of the Brotherhood of Khalsa changed the course of Indian history for ever. People all over the world celebrate this happy occasion to pay tribute and to renew their commitment to the teachings of Gobind Singh Ji who sacrificed his entire family for us to enjoy the glow of freedom and the right to practice one’s own faith.

The Chairman, Dr. Rami Ranger MBE praised Hon. Judge Sir Mota Singh Ji saying "in line with the teachings of our Gurus, has become a role model and an inspiration to everyone. He was the first turbaned Sikh Judge in Britain and never had his judgment challenged in the higher courts. Her Majesty the Queen has graciously conferred a Knighthood upon him and made him Sir for his outstanding services to his profession. The British Sikh Association is delighted to present him with the “Pride of Sikh Community” award for bringing honour to India."

Mr. Asif Ibrahim, Minister Coordination at the High Commission of India praised Sir Mota for his exemplary life and felt he has done both India and Britain proud with his achievements. He further praised India’s secular and democratic constitution. He said many feared India would break up soon after Independence due to its diversity. In fact India has not only remained united but also has become stronger in the world.

Baroness Verma praised the contribution of Indians in Britain and asked them to be more publicly and politically spirited. Britain is our country and we must take part in the decision making process. She praised Sir Mota for receiving the Knighthood and now the Pride of the Sikh Community Award. The Guest of Honour, Attorney General the Rt. Hon Dominic Grieve MP praised the contribution of the Punjabi Community in Britain. He said that he was proud of the fact that a lot of Punjabis have moved in to his constituency of Beaconsfield.