The portrait of Lord Indarjit Singh, the first turban-wearing Sikh MP in the UK and Europe, has been installed in the Bishop’s Corridor of the House of Lords in Westminster, London. This marks the first time a Sikh’s portrait has been displayed in the British Parliament.
The portrait was unveiled to honor Lord Indarjit Singh’s significant contributions to public service and his notable work for the nation. The unveiling took place in his presence.
The event was attended by prominent figures including British Sikh MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Lord Kuldeep Singh Sahota, MP Jas Athwal, MP Kirith Entwistle, MP Richard Bacon, MP Bhagat Singh Shankar, and Lady Indarjit Singh Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur OBE, along with family members and friends.
Promoting Interfaith Understanding
Chairman of the House of Lords Heritage Committee, Lord Speaker Falconer, commended Lord Indarjit Singh for his efforts in bringing an understanding of Sikhism and interfaith harmony to British households.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi described the portrait’s installation as a historic milestone that will become a center of attraction for all MPs and visitors to this prestigious institution.
The achievement was hailed as a matter of pride for the entire Sikh and Punjabi community by Harsharan Singh from Puducherry, treasurer of the Global Sikh Council (GSC). Other GSC leaders, including Deputy Chair Ram Singh, US-based Paramjit Singh Bedi, and Secretary-General Harjit Singh Grewal, praised the recognition as a testament to Lord Indarjit Singh’s lifelong dedication to British society, the Sikh community, and interfaith harmony.
A Historic Meeting of Two Trailblazing Sikh Leaders
In a symbolic moment, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the first turban-wearing Sikh MP in the UK House of Commons, met Lord Indarjit Singh, the first turban-wearing Sikh in the UK House of Lords.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, 46, has been elected MP for the Slough constituency three times since 2017, representing the Labour Party. Meanwhile, 92-year-old Lord Indarjit Singh has been a member of the House of Lords since 2011.
Lord Indarjit Singh has consistently represented the Sikh community at significant occasions, including royal weddings.
