HARBHAJAN SINGH

THE JOURNEY OF A LEGEND

DEEPAK SINGH

HARBHAJAN SINGH

THE JOURNEY OF A LEGEND

By

DEEPAK SINGH

Publishers : F-26, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110 001 Phone:-011-23312329

MODERN PUBLICATIONS

Deepak Singh
Editor, Indian Observer

F-26, Connaught Place New Delhi - 110 001 Phone : 9810025733 23312329

Publishers
Modern Publications F-26, Connaught Place New Delhi - 110 001

Designed by
Yash Choudhary 9971014104 and Anju Raj 9871457467

(For Free Distribution)

Printed at

Five Star Printers Ajmal Khan Road Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110 005

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My very sincere thanks to Smt. Pratibha Patil, President of India, for having consented to receive the First Copy of the Book Harbhajan Singh The Journey of a Legend I am also thankful to Mrs. Simran Singh, my wife, who has been a great source of inspiration in my work. I thank Mr. S. P Bansal, formerly of the . Indian Express, who has been working with us since three generations. I also thank Mr. Yash Choudhary and Mrs. Anju Raj for designing and last but not the least lot of labour put in by Md. Jawed Akhter.

iii

DEDICATED TO Shri Harbhajan Singh Ji, my late father, on his 69th Birth Anniversary, who lived and worked for his Principles
Dedicate yourself to the Service of Mankind and you will get a place in the Court of Lord (God).
From the Day of my Birth till His Last Day I always found Him bubbling with energy. I still cant believe that He is no more. And I see it is an illusion that He is no more. As if, on meeting me He will ask as to what I am thinking. Any one who went to him for help, he always extended his helping hand with a smile for he stood like a wall. Being the youngest in the family I escaped from all responsibilities as my Father was there to take care of everything. Deepak Singh

iv

Contents HARBHAJAN SINGH

...the journey of a legend
...His Emergence As A Journalist ...An Author All The Way ...An Eminent Journalist ...Messiah of Small and Medium Newspaper Persons ...A Friend in Deed ...A Strong Supporter of Humanity ...Championed The Cause For NRIs And PIOs ...A Fighter For Womens Rights ...Kanta Singh The Lady Behind His success ...Glowing Tributes 7 21 41 49 63 75 87 101 113 119

Prolific Writer at the Desk

Harbhajan Singh His Emergence As A Journalist

Chapter

1
among young before of the

B ORN 21st November 1938 in Rawalpindi to Smt.

Sunder Kaur and Sardar Durlab Singh, a doyen journalists and a veteran freedom fighter, Harbhajan's early years were spent in Lahore shifting to New Delhi in the wake of partition country in August 1947. Young Harbhajan's early years were spent in Lahore before shifting to New Delhi.

Durlab Singh didn't take much time to make his presence felt in the capital of India with his bold and fearless weekly. Indian Observer that proved popular among all sections of readers and succeeded in creating a niche for itself with a huge circulation crossing one lakh copies. Right from his School and College days Harbhajan, the eldest among five brothers and a sister, took keen interest in House Magazines and was a regular contributor.

In the Company of Scholar Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, President of India

Escorting the then Defence Minister of India Babu Jagjivan Ram to a family function

With journalism in his blood and veins he was out to play a long innings, naturally, and play it in style all his own.

With journalism in his blood and veins he was out to play a long innings, naturally, and play it in style - all his own. With time he graduated to the Indian Observer under the direct, careful supervision of his illustrious father. The right grooming placed him in the thick of active journalism. Most of his time was spent in meeting National leaders. Rubbing shoulders with them at such a young age, having made his mark, he, infact, turned out to be the envy of many a senior.
9

Like Father Like Son ... In The Footsteps Of His Illustrious Father Sardar Durlab Singh A Doyen Among Journalists And A Veteran Freedom Fighter 10

... Interviewing Raj Kapoor The Biggest Showman of Bollywood for his popular Tabloid FILM MIRROR

Soft-spoken, his amiable manners won him instant close rapport with all the political heavy weights irrespective of party affiliations and regions the likes of Babu Jagjivan Ram, Sardar Swaran Singh, Lalit Narayan Mishra, Narayan Datt Tiwari, Chander Bhanu Gupta, Pratap Singh Kairon, Mehar Chand Khanna, Devi Lal, Bansi Lal, Bhajan Lal, Balram Jakhar, Jag Parvesh Chandra, Saif-ud-din Soz, Vidya Charan Shukla, Chaudhri Randhir Singh, Inder Kumar Gujral, Chandrashekhar, Deve Gowda, Gulzari Lal Nanda, Y. B. Chavan, Vasant Sathe, Mohan Lal Sukhadia, Ch. Braham Perkash, Arjun Singh and to top them all Dr. V. V. Giri, Giani Zail Singh, Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan.

Soft-spoken, his amiable manners won him instant close rapport with all the political heavy weights

11

...Interviewing - Sunil Dutt and Nargis Dutt During the Shooting of Mother India

The Film Mirror that he started led him to his having strong connections with U.S.S.R

The Film Mirror that he started led him to his having strong connections with U.S.S.R. He was a regular invitee by the U.S.S.R. Government to the Moscow and Tashkent Annual Film Festivals. He was treated as a Maharaja in the Soviet Union and young boys and girls used to queue up for a group photograph with my Dad. Being a Sikh that made him outstand in the crowd in Russia that he was an Indian.

12

He came to be known as a noted film journalist of Bollywood because of his great personality, style and fair comments which made filmstars like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Sunil Dutt, Guru Dutt, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Rakesh Roshan, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, Waheeda Rehman, Madhubala, Geetabali his personal friends. Whenever the political and Film Delegations visited India from U.S.S.R. they made it a point to visit our C-86, Defence Colony Residence.

He came to be known as a noted film journalist of Bollywood because of his great personality, style and fair comments.

...At The Taskent Film Festival 13

 There were two names synonymous with Russia one was Raj Kapoor and other Harbhajan Singh.

... Hand-in-Hand with the He-Man Dharmendra the Heart-Throb of the Nation and Star of Phool Aur Patthar and many a hit Film.

There were two names synonymous with Russia one was Raj Kapoor and other Harbhajan Singh. He himself had forgotten the count of the number of visits he had made to Soviet Union. He was one figure who was identified and mobbed by the youngesters and Indian students studying in Russia. They used to consider him as a
14

Maharaja of India because of his distinctive turban and the flawless white attire, which he always wore. The members of the Delegation always said Harbhajan you are the only one who can be called an Indian the rest are mistaken as Asians. He was chosen the President of Indo-Russian Journalists Association the position which he held till his demise. He was chosen the President of Indo-Russian Journalists Association.

Historic Photograph of Ramanand Sagar Veteran Producer Director of Aarzoo and many a hit film and Producer of popular T.V. Serial RAMAYANA introducing Film Mirror Editor Harbhajan Singh to the newly weds in the family. 15

Veteran Producer, Director Shri Raj Kapoor going through the pages of Film Mirror at his R.K.Studios in Mumbai. Sitting alongside is Editor Harbhajan Singh

Moscow and Tashkant Film Fests worked wonders and the well known Editor & Film Critic Harbhajan Singh came to earn and occupy the same status and popularity as that of Raj Kapoor's.
16

Exchange of visits by political leaders made Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Com Khrushchev and Com Bulganin popular in Soviet Union and India Films from Bollywood Raj Kapoor's Awara and Pardesi - an Indo Soviet joint production starring Nargis opposite Russian Cine actor and Balraj Sahni made Indian Film stars Popular House - hold names. Moscow and Tashkant Film Fests worked wonders and the well known Editor & Film Critic Harbhajan Singh came to earn and occupy the same status and popularity as that of Raj Kapoor's. In his own right he was a star attraction and commanded a big fan following. At Film Festivals he

was lovingly mobbed by autograph hunters and he used to oblige them all with a broad smile. Dressed in spotless white and crisp kurta -pyjama, Nehru Jacket with Turban as head gear he was considered a Maharaja of India and they lovingly called him "Adrebaijan Singh". Russian Cultural, Films and Journalists delegations to India made it a point to include a visit to Defence Colony Residence of Sardar Harbhajan Singh a must. As good Hosts Singhs also loved throwing Parties, Lunch and Dinner on such occasions as well on annual festivals like

At Film Festivals he was lovingly mobbed by autograph hunters and he used to oblige them all with a broad smile.

... with the Amitabh Bachachan 17

At times the guests entered the kitchen to see for themselves as to how a 'chapati' was made - this being something new for them.

On the Spot Painting of Mr. Harbhajan Singh Through the Brush of a Russian Fan.

Lohri, Diwali and Holi to let them have a feel and taste of the Indian culture and tradition. D-253 Residence reverberated often with all the warmth of the hosts and valued presence of the guests. At times the guests entered the kitchen to see for themselves as to how a 'chapati' was made - this being something new for them.

18

... with the Members of the Delegation as President of Indo-Soviet Journalists Association

Shri Harbhajan Singh, President, Indo-Russian Journalists Association receiving from the Ambassador of the Russian Federation the Certificate of High Appreciation for his meritorious services towards the cause of promoting friendship and cultural relations between the peoples and governments of the Russian Federation and the Republic of India.

19

Honble Minister of Soviet Union Releasing Shri Harbhajan Singhs book Soviet Cinema-its impact

Dedicated to the Second Historic and Meaningful Visit of General Secretary CPSU Mikhail Gorbachev to India In November 1988. 20

Harbhajan Singh
...An Author All The Way

Chapter

2
Started writing to make people aware to the day to day subjects of National importance like that of Communal Harmony.

B ORN with a RICH PEN - a Gift of the Gab - it was

quite evident from Harbanjan Singhs early childhood when he started contributing to house magazines right from his School Days before graduating to College Times that he had a bright future. Shri Harbhajan Singh, working on Gods creative Principle, started writing to make people aware to the day to day subjects of National importance like that of Communal Harmony. So getting into journalism was but natural - being the son of Sardar Durlab Singh - a veteran journalist, and the Indian Observer offered all that Harbanjan Singh needed - a ready vehicle. What more he could ask for without having

21

Dedicated to Resurgent PEOPLE OF INDIA and to my esteemed, mentor and source of inspiration my father late SARDAR DURLAB SINGH freedom fighter and revolutionary journalist-author

to go knocking like others for job from newspaper to newspaper. An acknowledged prolific writer on a wide variety of subjects contemporary socio-political affairs, trends in cinema international affairs and travel and tourism-gifted with a literary flair- besides he authored more than a score of books in addition to editing and publishing widely circulated magazines.
22

In his capacity as the General Secretary of the All India National Unity Conference he penned "The Nation on Trial" while leading the people's movement for the unity in the country that too at a time when the fundamentalists were preaching for separatism. At a time when foreign powers were exploiting the disgruntled and anti-social elements in Punjab, Kashmir and Assam raising their ugly head with demands for Khalistan, Azad Kashmir, Gorkhaland, Bodoland giving alarming red signals to the peace loving countrymen. The Book Nation On Trial running into three hundred pages was released by Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma the then President of India. The National Challenge was

Dedicated to Promote National Unity and National Integration 23

Indira Gandhi A Prime Minister Assassinated he penned down in record time after Indira ji's unfortunate assassination.

Union Minister Shri Vasant Sathe Releasing his Book - Indira Gandhi A Prime Minister Assassinated. Also seen Justice A.N. Grover Chairman Press Council of India

released by Shri Shivraj Patil, then Speaker Lok Sabha. And Shri Vasant Sathe was all praise for Harbhajan Singh while releasing his book Titled "Nation At Cross Roads". All the books were distributed free of cost to a number of Universities Colleges and Libraries to spread the right message to educate and inform the young generation and people in order to condemn and suppress the nefarious designs of separatists throughout the country. Indira Gandhi A Prime Minister Assassinated he penned down in record time after Indira ji's unfortunate assassination by her own securitymen at her official residence at Safdarjung Road.

24

Because in his considered opinion public awareness was a must. Killings of innocent people here and there in bomb blasts and otherwise caused panic among common people, the man in the street didn't feel safe, the country lost a number of people who mattered and some political parties were busy dividing the country people in the name of religion, language and caste to create their respective vote-bank. The Mandir-Masjid issues aggravating the problem still further with minorities not feeling safe. Hence the urgent need to educate and inform the people at the grassroots level about the gravity of the situation.

Harbhajan Singh Dedicated the Book to One and the Only One Smt. Indira Gandhi and the Great Son of the Soil Shri Rajiv Gandhi who Lived and Died for the Unity of the Country 25

Harbhajan Singh Dedicated the Book to the memory of Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his 51st Birth Anniversary 20th August, 1995

Being a great optimist he invited the views of many a learned scholar, intellectual, statesman with their expert comments in short articles providing food for thought to the countrymen on various burning problems facing the country and articles went a long way to serve the nation in its revived search for regaining some of its lost glory once again that of Sone Ki Chiriya. Through his various books Harbhajan Singh tried his best to offer a Blueprint for a Better India for people to live in harmony and with a feeling of amity and brotherhood 26

Live and Let Live - In his well written articles Harbhajan Singh raised many challenging issues - Poverty, wiping Illiteracy for Quality Education, Unemployment, Health, Population, Corruption and the like and strived for solutions in real earnest. He was for the political system to conduct itself in such a manner as to inspire confidence and a sense of moral upliftment in the younger generation who wallowed in utter cynicism. The youth, he exhorted, must feel good about the country and must be made to appreciate that this nation belonged to them and that opting out was no
Honble Sushil Kumar Shinde Releasing Mr. Harbhajan Singhs Book The National Agenda. Also seen Dr. Bhisham Narain Singh, Shri Vasant Sathe and Subarami Reddy

The book is here to Promote Communal Harmony and Peace 27

Dedicated to the Memory of Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi who Lived and Died for NATIONAL UNITY AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION

option. That there was a big need to make the qualitative improvement in our education system in order to liberate the young minds rather than bog them down with bookish knowledge. Relevancy to the educational needs of boys and girls in the rural areas had to be so reoriented as to unleash the creative capacities of the masses. The thrust area was the foremost being Excellence in Education. Free compulsory education upto Higher Secondary Level capable of building character and teaching the joy of loving others. According to him it was time for us to redraw our priorities for we had the best brains. Priorities where the human being matters and the countrymen feel that they have a place under the Sun.

28

From His Book MY INDIA

His views on MY INDIA were much appreciated ...are being reproduced.

In Democracy it's the people those who matter, because they decide the fate of the country at the ballot box. Infact the real people those who vote, live in small towns and villages. According to the survey 80% of the population lives in such areas and they do vote and elect their representatives, whereas in metropolitan cities people caste their votes in a low percentage. The biggest achievement of the country is power to the people, those who elect their representatives, power to the people to
29

elect the party of their choice. Its not a small matter. I believe, if the country is great, if the country is united, if the country is strong, if the country is developing, it is because of the people of this country and not because of the leaders of the country. India is the country of 110 crores population, and it has got various problems too, mainly the over population of the country. Our country is bigger than the entire Europe i.e. U.K, Germany, Denmark, France etc. There is no control on population, where there is a need to educate and inform the people about the gravity of the situation. What will be the shape of the country after 50 years? The population will be more than double, and we don't have the resources and the means to provide food, accommodation, education, clothes, medical treatment etc. a realistic approach to the problems is needed. Indian civilization is the oldest civilization on this planet. Rich in its heritage and grand in its traditions, India has outstood for the quality and variety of its founded religions. Even in the twentieth century, its father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi has served the trouble-torn world as the undisputed champion on the Afro-Asian freedom. As the time marched on, India too experienced its moments of weakness and strength. Once it achieved its hard earned freedom in 1947, its belated endeavors towards its delayed economic progress became perceptible. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of an industrial, modern and new-India set the ball rolling for an Indian journey towards a better tomorrow. Our last fifty four years since independence, although not a long period
30

in the historic context, were certainly significant as a period of nation-building activity, comprising the spheres of health, family planning, transport, education and social welfare. However, much remains to be done. India's diversity, in the matter of its religions, races, languages, dialects, customs and costumes, is a fascinating subject and has served as a primary source for the global interest in this great nation of over one thousand millions. Its unity in diversity, although disturbed by the recent spurt of terrorism, is a rare anthropological phenomenon, which can't be dismissed with a shoulder's shrug. Notably, when India became free, we were manufacturing very little and that too of no economic significance, but looking at the scenario today, we are making virtually everything, under the Sun like cars, trucks, aeroplanes, nuclear applications, guns, missiles and what not. Let's thank to those sons of this country, who have made India one of the fast developing countries in the world. But, at the same time, we are facing problems on various fronts, facing various challenges for which many reasons can be attributed. The corruption stigma on India, is one of them. We th are the 7 ranking corrupt nation in the world. In the past few years, various scams and scandals have come to light involving Ministers, Parliamentarians, bureaucrats. For how long can this be tolerated. Indian judiciary has played an important role, took major decisions and fixed various
31

ministers and bureaucrats. Many cases are still pending in various courts. The other setback, we got, is due to the political instability, which gave shocking waves to the people, living in the country and even of the guard at the top brought instability, because at the Centre, different parties came and joined hands to form the Government, while every Party was having a different ideology. The decision, however, had to be reached at. Those, that were made, remained weak in character and lacked in effectiveness and implementation. The bureaucracy took the politicians for a ride, which resulted in our economic setback, the investors, on the other hand, were not coming forward to invest in an unstable country. Therefore, the home investment showed downward trend and the foreign investments shied away. It is important to mention here that during the Congress rule, when Dr. Manmohan Singh was the Finance Minister, he had introduced various reforms resulting in an increased flow of foreign exchange from abroad and many multi-national companies had set up establishments in the country. That era was of comparative prosperity and progress. Though the next Government of NDA followed the same reform, yet not being a single party Government, it could not complete the unfinished tasks. There are different opinion on the issue of the entry of multinationals in the country. Some hold the opinion that it will be a disaster for the domestic industry, while others say that a competition will bring in a healthy atmosphere. It
32

cannot be predicted as to what will be the future scenario, but there are mixed reactions from the common man and businessmen about the flow of multinationals in the country. The biggest challenge that the country is facing today, is of national unity. It is not that the country is not united, but some political parties are ruthlessly dividing the people in the name of religion, language and caste to create their respective vote bank. The regional demands for bifurcation of states are the illustrations in point. Mandir and Masjid issues are aggravating the problems. Minorities are not feeling safe and secure today. There is an urgent need to educate and inform the people at the grassroot level about the gravity of the situation. If the people do not remain united, country will never progress. The remarkable role, which the Indian media, comprising the Print and Electronic Media, assume special significance in this context. The mass awareness is need of the hour, both in the matter of defeating the fissiparous forces of terrorism and the naked practice of corruption. This responsibility may be seriously undertaken by Electronic and Print Media. The public awareness of the gross ill, infecting the nation is the need of the hour, and it must begin at the grass root level. An offshoot of this problem is the dreaded disease of terrorism. Practically every State is now threatened with this menace and every day reports appear in the dailies about the killing of innocent people here and there in bomb blasts or otherwise. A state of panic exists in the country and the commonman is not feeling safe. We
33

have also lost a number of people who mattered, to the ugly monster of terrorism. Frankly speaking the threat of terrorism has its root in our neighbouring nation, which is hell-bent to create chaos in our country. The terrorists are being trained by it. The terrorists include the worst fanatics and mean mercenaries. They are all out to create confusion. This problem can be solved only with the active participation of the people of this country, because the Government alone can not provide security to each and every human being. The unemployment in India is also one of the reasons for the ugly existence of terrorism in the country. The young unemployed men, in search of a quick buck, do look here and there for the destructive jobs for money. In spite of that, they are aware that they are heading for a disaster and they are taking the nation toward destruction. The challenge of unemployment also needs to be met at a war footing. It is rightly said that 'an idle mind is Devils Workshop'. The growth of employment opportunities shall also go a long way in curbing terrorism. If you just look around, one of the basic problems of the country is its growing population which is increasing by leaps and bounds, with the result that every town or city is crowded. Not only that, every hospital, school and college is crowded too and millions of people are unemployed. There is an urgent need for strict legislation to control the population, but no political party is ready to take the initiative to give the slogan, One is Enough', because all the political parties are afraid of losing their vote banks. We
34

have the same area of land. Although we have increased the use of our resources to some extent, yet the explosion in our population has taken us no where. We must learn a lesson from China and experts should study their methods for checking the population growth. Here, education is also needed to inform the people about the gravity of the situation and about the shape of things to be, with the present casualness about our population problem. The education is an equally important factor to meet the challenges, because only an educated man can understand as to where we are going wrong?' Because of over population, we are unable to provide education and employment to every one, but in spite of that, education remains every one's right. Today, the education is a costly proposition, the children, after having basic necessary education, are unable to get admission in the schools and colleges. If the nation is educated, the problems can be solved and challenges can be met at every stage, more effectively. India is the largest democracy in the world and in a democracy, the power to elect the government of their choice is in the hands of the people, because it is the people, who have to take the final decision, for choosing their leaders. This is the biggest achievement, the country has made in this direction and India is proud of it. We must remember in this connection, the historic and timetested truth that the 'people deserve the Government they have'. The quality of the people and their Government is just the same. Yatha Raja Tatha Praja. It is true both ways. Wherever there is a glaring gap between the quality of the two, the people always overthrow such Government. The
35

arrival and collapse of Communism, in Europe, is a befitting illustration in front. Because of the illiteracy, the democracy in the county is facing various bottlenecks. 85% of the population, living at the grass root level, is illiterate and it is the people, who cast their votes at the ballot box and decide the fate of the country at the hustings. When they are illiterate, they are unable to take the right decision. They are unable to gauge the performance of a candidate or the party. They simply vote on the factional basis of castism, religion or linguistic consideration. Democracy is at the cross road today, because with the emergence of various regional parties, Nobody is getting a clear mandate, which was shown in 1996 and 1998. The first coalition Government of various parties, could not run its show for too long and hence the United Front Government collapsed after 18 months. In 1998 elections, again there was no clear mandate. There is a coalition Government at the Centre once again. It is convenience government, consisting of political hotchpotch. As the present Government with its various constituents have their different ideologies and different interests, and only the common motive to rule. In a poor country like India, we cannot afford to have elections every year or two by spending Rs. 10,000 crore or more. There is a school of thought, which recommends that we must adopt some other system, but that too is very difficult. Only a stable Government can take a decision on the issues with proper thinking and debate. Not once, but at many times, this question was raised that we would have
36

Presidential form of Government like France, where only the President is elected. That too needs a change in the Constitution, which needs guts, courage and stability. We are passing through an era of coalition and instability, which is hampering the country's interest at large. Many foreign investors are thinking twice, before investing in India. Money market is tight. There is certain slow-down in the flow of money, resulting in the shooting of prices. There are Western countries or developed countries, which have progressed at a fast pace. The reason is very simple. They have a control on their population and above all they have a discipline. Discipline is the key to success of any nation. In any country, which has discipline, its progress is quick. We have brains, we have infrastructure, we have resources, we have manpower, but in spite of all this, our progress is very slow. Our major thrust should be on virtue of discipline. If the people are disciplined, the country is disciplined, and only then we can truly hope that India can rub shoulders with many advanced countries, in all the fields. The progress which the country has made during the last 55 years has got no parallel. We are self-sufficient in various spheres. We have made an impact in the international arena, multi-nationals and high business houses from all over the world are investing in India that clearly shows that India is safe for investing and India is fast progressing.
37

The change and the betterment is very much visible, a large number of Indian cars of foreign brands made in India are running on Indian roads, Coca Cola, Pepsi and Pizza culture has practically invaded the Indian market. The younger generations are enjoying the fruits of labour put by the countrymen. Lots have been done, but a lot still remains to be done. Indian brains are creating waves in the work practically in every sphere and if we provide opportunities to younger generations, who are dynamic and dashing, they can turn India once again to 'Sone ki Chiriya'. There is a need of a will on the political level. Though road is difficult because of the various bottlenecks, but to achieve the goal is not impossible. I have been abroad many a time and happened to meet cross sections of the society and everyone has praise for India and its achievements and its people and majority of the people talk high about the country, but still there is a need to project India in correct perspective, where our Missions Embassies and High Commissions abroad have failed miserably. In this book, many learned scholars, intellectuals, statesmen and political stalwarts have contributed their valuable thoughts on various subjects, which largely concern the people of our country. I am grateful to them, because their short articles certainly provide food for thought to our countrymen. Further more, these articles shall go a long way to
38

serve the nation, in its revived search for regaining its lost glory. I am a firm believer of the wisdom of the people of this country. They alone can build India strong, they alone can provide stability to the country, they alone can bring radical change in the country. Frankly speaking, in a country where there is a political mess, things can be set to order only by the people of the country only. I have full hope in the people of this country, strong believer of religion and God fearing, peace loving and united. They may be of different religions, speaking different languages, eating different food, wearing different costumes but whenever the question of country comes before them, they are one, they are united. People of this country are the only hope for the betterment of this great country.

People of this country are the only hope for the betterment of this great country.

39

...and his last Editorial

After the retirement of Sardar Durlab Singh from active Journalism, my Dad took over the Editorship of the Indian Observer and that became his first love. Through the columns of the Indian Observer and his signed Editorials Shri Harbhajan Singh raised the important issues and burning problems facing the country and came out with their solutions making aware his numerous readers including the Parliamentarians who were on permanent complimentary mailing list.

40

Harbhajan Singh
...An Eminent Journalist

Chapter

3
Not only that Federation members too loved him from the core of their heart- he was their HERO, God Father

AVING entered journalism, while barely in his teens, young Harbhajan Singh was quick enough to make his mark in the profession of his choice. Bubbling with youth and dashing as he was, like his illustrious father, he was a fearless crusader for the just and genuine rights of the All-India Small and Medium Newspapers Federation members whose number ran into many thousands which in turn, actually speaking, formed his strength - back-bone and that he utilised to further advance the genuine causes to Federation's Advantage since early 1970s. Not only that Federation members too loved him from the core of their heart- he was their HERO, God Father - whom they worshipped and adored him - their idol. In the Annual Sessions and General Body Meetings long live Sardar Harbhajan Singh and Sardar Harbhajan

41

... Honouring a foreign Student with a Journalism Degree and a warm Handshake.

Singh Zindabad rented the air he being the Messiah of Small and Medium Newspaper Journalists. In the early 70s having played his hectic professional innings Sardar Durlab Singh handed over the publication and editorship of the Indian Observer the popular Tabloid Weekly to Harbhajan Singh his eldest son. On taking over Harbhajan Singh changed the format into a magazine size making it a 4-Colour Fortnightly. For him it was a Labour of Love printing Observer from Single colour offset Press known as 5 Star Printers, from Ajmal Khan Road. With this wealth of experience he acquired the first hand knowledge of the great difficulties and hardships and the related problems of finances and man power that one faced while bringing out a small and medium newspaper.

For him it was a Labour of Love printing Observer from Single colour offset Press

42

A great champion of Indo-Russian relations Harbhajan Singh's earnest efforts and sincere services will be long remembered. His notable contribution for the noble cause of promoting Hindi- Russi Bhai Bhai and IndoRussian relations and bilateral friendship co-operation will go down the annals of historic ties between the two countries. He was a regular visitor to the Soviet Union and there was practically no change in his number of visits to the present Russian Federation. I lost count of the number of his visits which were so frequent. According to a rough estimate by Minister Counsellor Andrey A. Sorokin it was well over forty times. In fact it was almost double this number. As a distinguished Editor and eminent Film Critic of Film Mirror he was a regular invitee to the Tashkent and

I lost count of the number of his visits which were so frequent.

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi addressing the Members of the Fourth Estate. R.K. Karanjia Editor Blitz and Harbhajan Singh, Editor Indian Observer sitting on extreme right 43

... Veterans both Khushwant Singh and Harbhajan Singh discussing about the Freedom of Press

Moscow Film Festivals and moreover he was the President of Indo-Russian Journalists Association. Not only that he was a great votary and a live wire of Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai movement. He visited Peoples Republic of China many a time and came out with his impressions. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was all praise for Harbhajan Singh for his impressions of China and she congratulated him for that. Harbhajan's powerful pen showed sparks enough against major burning issues. As the one not to be cowed down by any body, Harbhajan's powerful pen showed sparks enough against major burning issues. He authored a number of books and it will not be out of place to mention some out of them namely:- The Great Betrayal on Middle East Crisis, Human Rights, Indira Gandhi- A Prime Minister Assassinated, Soviet Cinema, Changing Trends in Soviet Cinema, IndoSoviet Relations in the field of Civil Aviation and were highly received and appreciated greatly. Much sought-after for his expert advice on all major issues he was made senior member of many a Body-Newsprint Advisory Committee Newsprint Price Fixation Committee of the Government

44

of India. Press Council of India, Central Press Accreditation Committee to take care of the interests of upcoming journalists. He stood honoured time and again for his multifarious excellence in more areas than one and it looked like as if the Awards rained on him. For he was the recipient of Shiromani Award 1979, for being a fearless outstanding journalist that he was. The National Integration Award in the year 1982 for his tireless efforts

He stood honoured time and again for his multifarious excellence in more areas than one and it looked like as if the Awards rained on him.

Harbhajan Singh started NRI Link Magazine to bring NRIs closer to their Motherland for keeping them in touch with India and help them invest in Indias development to make it a strong Nation placing it among the leading ones in the world. Celebrating 25 NRI International Conferences over a couple of decades. 45

... Receiving Shiromani Award and the Gold Medallion from Honble Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani for Excellence in Journalism. Secretary General of the Shiromani Insitute Mr. Jagmohan Singh in the Centre

His name engraved in golden letters is bound to figure in the select gallery of leading luminaries of the journalistic profession.

for international brotherhood he being the cementing factor in bringing together the peoples, journalists and artistes of India, China and the Soviet Union togetherfollowed by the man of International Media Award 1983, Rotary Club Vocational Award 1986, Emotional Integration Award 1987, Bharat Gaurav Award 1988, Mediaman of the Year Award 1989, Best Film Critic Award from the Delhi Critics Association 1991, and so goes on the never ending list. His name engraved in golden letters is bound to figure in the select gallery of leading luminaries of the journalistic profession. His place stands assured among stalwarts like M. Chalapathi Rau, Rana Jang Bahadur Singh, Sardar Durlab Singh, Prem Bhatia, R.K. Karanjia, Inder Malhotra, Mulgaokar, Frank Moraes, Khushwant Singh to name a few.

46

GLOBAL TRAVEL EXPRESS

Harbhajan Singh started Global Travel Express some 16 years ago and with that he opened a window for the countrymen to see and visit to the Tourist places of the World in general and that of India in particular. His main aim was to explore the hidden places of Tourist interest with in the vast country beyond Metro Cities in far off remote areas. Since the country has so much to offer round the year in different climates and regions from fauna, flora natural beauty, ancient Temples, Heritage Places to Bodhgaya and what not. Frankly speaking over the years that in turn gave a boost to Tourism and brought in the much needed foreign exchange.

Harbhajan Singh Ji speaking on Priorities of Tourism Industry. Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad Minister of Civil Aviation & Tourism released the Global Travel Express edited by Shri Singh. 47

Shri Harbhajan Singh, Balram Jakhar and Justice A.N. Grover, Chairman Press Council of India

Balram Jakhar with the portrait of Shri Harbhajan Singh made by one of the Federation Members

Messiah of Small and Medium Newspaper Persons

Chapter

4
Shri Harbhajan Singh had put his blood and sweat in Federation and fought vigorously for their just cause with the government.

A BOUT 2 decades back, small & medium newspapers

were no-identity, men who matters were not taking them seriously, because of their small number of circulation, but from heart to heart, it was a substantial force, because small & medium newspapers is majority in numbers and their combined circulation is larger than big newspapers. Large newpapers are hardly hundred in number, coming out from big cities or the capital of the states, but the small & medium newspapers coming from small villages and towns are more than, 10 thousand. According to survey 80% of the populations are relied upon small & medium newspapers for their information. Shri Harbhajan Singh had put his blood and sweat in Federation and fought vigorously for their just cause with
49

Profusely garlanded by Media persons

the government, with his personal rapport with the men who matters with the government, able to get lot of relief's for the small & medium newspapers. In many of the agitations against the government for the rightful rights, he was always on forefront. Newsprint was an important issue, and he raised the voice, the control should be lifted from newsprint and the government lifted the control from the newsprint and made easily available both Indian and imported newsprint in the market at the competitive price. Accreditation was used to be given only to the big newspapers, and to the correspondents as a member of central press accreditation committee, he vigorously fought for the relaxation of the rules, daily, weekly and fortnightly having a circulation of 5000 copies should get the accreditation from the Government of India.

In many of the agitations against the government for the rightful rights, he was always on forefront.

50

Shri Harbhajan Singh was the senior most member of Central Press Accreditation Committee; he was on the Committee for the last 20 years and Member of the Press Council for six years. The advertisement is the main source of revenue for the small & medium newspapers, as they rely upon the government support, he pleaded to the government that 80% advertisements should be given to small & medium newspapers and there rates should be increased, it was a continued struggle and finally the government accepted

He pleaded to the government that 80% advertisements should be given to small & medium newspapers.

Shri Harbhajan Singhs Crowning Glory All smiles is Dr Bhisham Narain Singh as Shri G.V.G. Krishnamurthy places the Crown on Shri Singhs head 51

Shri Harbhajan Singh Honours all the way.

He was nominated in the empanelment committee of DAVP which , approves newspapers for the government of India's advertisements.

the viewpoint of Harbhajan Singh, and today almost all the small & medium newspapers are getting government advertisements with more insertions and higher advertising rates. With the coming of Dr. Manmohan Singh government, he was nominated in the empanelment committee of DAVP which approves newspapers for the , government of India's advertisements. Governments in the center and state give due weightage to the point of views of the federation and started consulting on all major issues concerning media. Federation submitted a proposal to the Government for seting up of a Small and medium Newspaper Development Corporation, which will strengthen the small & medium newspapers. Small and medium newspapers educate the 80% of the population at the grassroot level in small towns and villages, those who

52

decide the fate of the country at the ballot box. This federation is the largest and the strongest body It was the effort of of small & medium newspapers, having nearly 10,000 Shri Harbhajan members in the country and organized units in the states. Singh that the PIB, It was the effort of Shri Harbhajan Singh that the PIB, of India and other DAVP Press Council of India and other government's government's media , media organizations in the center and in the states organizations in the center and in the recognize federation. In the Annual General meeting of the Federation in 2003, Shri Harbhajan Singh was declared National
states recognize federation. DAVP Press Council ,

*VICTORY IS ALWAYS SWEET*

Shri G.V.G. Krishnamurty Former Election Commissioner of India offering a laddoo to Shri Harbhajan Singh 53

... A warm hug from Gurinder

He was available to all his federation members 24 hours a day and 365 days of the year.
54

President for Life of the All India Small & Medium Newspapers Federation. He was a valiant fighter and patron of 7000 members of Small & Medium Newspapers Federation across the country. He was available to all his federation members 24 hours a day and 365 days of the year. He not only guided about the business problems but helped them to solve their personal problems also. Whenever any one troubled his Federation's member for his personal vested interest he found in Sardar Harbhajan

Singh a great Wall. He was a great humanitarian, and big hearted and fearless person. He was the true specimen of journalism. His approach in journalism was based on the basic epithet without fear & favour. In the year 1979 Harbhajan Singh Ji as member of Press Council visited Jaipur with Chairman Press Council Justice A.N. Grover. Then Shri Harbhajan Singh came to know that two small newspapers of Rajasthan were axed by District Administration. Their declaration had been cancelled and their press was sealed. On getting this news the face expressions of Sardar Harbhajan Singh Ji was such as some one had hurt his own children. He asked the Rajasthan Government to give the detailed information on this action. He asked the Rajasthan Government to give the detailed information on this action.

... with Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Honble Vice President of India 55

... A forceful Speaker on the Role of Press in fighting Criminalization in Politics

He along with Justice Grover ordered the district administration to withdraw the sealing of both Press with immediate effect and ensure that such act should not be repeated in future.
56

Next day morning in the Press Council meeting the report of Rajasthan Government was put before him. After going through the report Sardar Ji roared with anger. He immediately asked the Chairman of Press Council that this is a Crushing Act of the State Government and to verify the truths, one Sub-Committee of Press Council be formed. The sub-committee checked the details of both the ceased newspapers one each at Udaipur and Bundi . According to the Sub-Committee the truth came out that both newspapers were crushed for the vested interest of the District Administration. He along with Justice Grover ordered the district administration to withdraw the sealing of both Press with immediate effect and ensure that such act should not be repeated in future.

In the year 1989 when Press Reforms Bill was put by the Rajiv Gandhi Government the contents of the Bill were 'Axing the Freedom of Press'. This was opposed across the country under the leadership of Sardar Harbhajan Singh. Fumes came out all over country and turned into flames at Delhi. Finally government was compelled to withdraw the Bill. Shri HarbhajanSingh Ji was called at Shastri Bhawan, Delhi and was informed about the withdrawal of this Bill. Harbhajan Singh Ji always treated his federation members as parts of his own body and always nursed them in that way.

Harbhajan Singh Ji always treated his federation members as parts of his own body and always nursed them in that way.

Observing silence in memory of Late Prime Ministers Shri Rajiv Gandhi and Smt. Indira Gandhi who greatly respected the Freedom of the Press 57

... with the Union Minister for Human Resources Development Shri Arjun Singh

Once he convened a federaion meeting in a five star hotel. His excellency President Giani Zail Singh was the Chief Guest. In his Presidential address Giani Zail Singh categorically said that Sardar Harbhajan Singh is advocating for Small & Medium Newspapers but organized function in five star hotel. He calls you and honours you. Such Big Hearted Sardar Harbhajan Singh Ji is.
58

When Delhi Government imposed VAT on Small and Medium Newspapers Sardar Harbhajan Singh came out and led a procession to the residence of Ms. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi. His plea was that 4% VAT liability is unbearable. Minister told that for this small cause a man of your status should not come in procession. You should ring me up or send the memorandum by Post. Harbhajan Singh Ji told that for the goodwill of Small & Medium Newspapers he could go up to any extent. The federation members get members acquainted with the new techniques implemented in developed countries in information media and try to use the same in India with available limited resources.

When Delhi Government imposed VAT on Small and Medium Newspapers Sardar Harbhajan Singh came out and led a procession to the residence of Ms. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi.

Shri Harbhajan Singh leading a Press Demonstration against Delhi Governments VAT Policy 59

Honble Shivraj Patil speaking at the Symposia organised by the All India Small and Medium Newspapers Federation

NOT WELL Shri Narayan Datt Tiwari who made it to the Federation Function 60

At the Federation Session from left Shri Harbhajan Singh, S.B. Chavan, Mrs Veena Verma and Justice R.S. Sarkaria Chairman Press Council

Famous journalist S. Khushwant Singh quoted in his famous syndicated column that Sardar Harbhajan Singhs personality was that of a Banka, always dressed in spotless white, smells of itter and ever cheerful.

61

...with Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi speaking at the Federation Session

...A Friend In Deed

Chapter

5
B ROUGHT into Politics by his mother Smt. Indira
Gandhi after the tragic aeroplane accident of late Sanjay, his younger Parliamentarian brother, Rajiv Gandhi in right earnest started enlarging the circle of his political friends. He was quite eager to bring into his fold the like-minded youth, energetic people he could depend upon. The result was Amitabh Bachchan, his childhood family friend from Allahabad, Kamal Chaudhary, his pilot colleague from the Indian Airlines, Kiran Choudhary, a Congress youth leader from Haryana, Smt. Meira Kumar, Late Jagjiwan Ram's daughter from the Indian Foreign Service, Harbhajan Singh from the Print Media, Kumari Shailja late veteran leader Dalbir Singhs daughter and many more came quite closer to him. And thus developed a sort of long intimate political association.
63

Margaret Alva, Harbhajan Singh, Arjun Singh and Justice R.S. Sarkaria

Highly impressed by the Personality and programmes of his friend Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Shri Harbhajan Singh kept the momentum going by holding National Unity Conferences, Seminars and Symposia in different cities of the country.

Indian Observer, like the National Herald, a daily newspaper founded by none other than Pt. Nehru, was as good as a Congress mouth piece.
64

Appointed as General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, Rajiv Gandhi in briefings to the Press could depend upon responsible editors like Mr. Harbhajan Singh who could present the Press releases of the Party in true perspective unlike the hostile jute Press which used to print as it suited them after a twist to their liking. Hence in Indian Observer, like the National Herald, a daily newspaper founded by none other than Jawaharlal Nehru, was as good as a Congress mouth piece. Rajiv was quick to grasp the fact that the country had to move up and show it to the world what youth power of

Talking Heart to Heart 65

the country was capable of achieving with proper opportunities and given due exposure. After Indiraji's unfortunate assassination by her own Securitymen the mantle of Prime Ministership fell on Rajiv Gandhi he being the most appropriate choice of the Congress Party, as the country was plunged into the mourning that shook the whole world. Brought up into the Congress under the influence of his maternal grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru and Smt. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv imbibed the spirit of nationalism,

At Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis 7, Race Course Road residence 66

peace, co-operation, amity, friendly relations with all the countries especially the neighbouring ones. Likewise, Harbhajan Singh too had a grooming under the influence of his father, a veteran freedom fighter, Sardar Durlab Singh, a staunch Congressman with a towering personality always in white khadi crisp Kurta Pyjama and a white Pugree Turban to support as headgear.

Likewise, Harbhajan Singh too had a grooming under the influence of his father, a veteran freedom fighter.

Respectful Homage to the Departed Friend Shri Rajiv Gandhi 67

TWO MINUTES SILENCE - Jag Parvesh Chandra, C.E.C. Delhi, Harbhajan Singh and Lt. Governor Romesh Bhandari

Both of them, Rajiv and Harbhajan had many a similarity in their way of thinking, love for the country, full of patriotic fervour, their innocent frankness, honesty of purpose. In their speeches they exhorted the youth to come forward to work for the nation's development. Annual Session of AISMNF was often celebrated at 7, Race Course Road P .M.'s official residence. Annual Session of AISMNF was often celebrated at 7, Race Course Road P .M.s official residence and the members of Small Medium Press used to say slogans. In his capacity as the Prime Minister of the country and in his efforts to further develop and strengthen the friendly and warm relations with the neighbouring countries Rajiv initiated talks with China and Russia and achieved a lot in improving and cementing ties to further mutual advantage. He was adequately accompanied by the Media persons both electronic and print. Harbhajan Singh covered his foreign visits and gave a full coverage in his Indian Observer.

68

Rajiv carried forward the task left by his mother Smt. Indira Gandhi in modernising the country. Not only that he brought in the computer network and the latest technology from all over the World. He was straight forward in telling his countrymen with a heavy heart not to shed blood instead shed hatred, after being sworn in as Prime Minister on 31st October 1984, in his first broadcast to the Nation on 2nd November 1984 as some people started casting a slur on the sacred memory of Mrs. Indira Gandhi by indulging in acts of hatred and violence. In the same vein Harbhajan Singh also said terrorists don't belong to a particular cast or community, they have no religion, they can come from any where and they should be condemned by all right thinking people. Both had the same wave length and that was the basis of their life long friendship. Rajiv and Harbhajan had many a similarity in their way of thinking, love for the country, full of patriotic fervour.

Shri Harbhajan Singh highlighting Late Leaders Tremendous Contribution in making India Strong. 69

Honble Shivraj Patil speaking at the Symposia organised by Shri Harbhajan Singh in memory of Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi

And this friendship continued even after Rajiv Gandhis life was cut short by a human bomb.

And this friendship continued even after Rajiv Gandhis life was cut short by a human bomb on May 21, 1991 while he was to address an Election Rally in Sriperumbdur in Tamilnadu. Harbhajan Singh, year after year, continued commemorating the life and works of Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his Birth Anniversary for the cause dear to the late leader that of national integration, brotherhood, solidarity of the nation, secularism while holding National Smyposia, Conference, Seminar. While at Cambridge, he had met Sonia, an Italian who was studying English. Rajiv Gandhi had not shown much interest in politics till then. He attended college at Cambridge, England, worked as a pilot for the Indian Airlines. They were married in New Delhi in 1968. They stayed in Smt. Indira Gandhi's residence in New Delhi with their two children, Rahul and Priyanka. Theirs was a very private life despite the surrounding din and bustle of political activity.

Harbhajan Singh, year after year, continued commemorating the life and works of Shri Rajiv Gandhi.

70

But his brother Sanjay's death in an air crash in 1980 changed that. Pressures on Shri Gandhi to enter politics and help his mother, then besieged by many internal and external challenges, grew. He resisted these pressures at first, but later bowed to their logic. He won the by-election to the Parliament, caused by his brother's death, from Amethi in U.P in 1981. At that time, Indira Gandhi was . re-elected as the Prime Minster and Rajiv Gandhi became her unofficial political advisor took over as the General Secretary of the Party. In November 1982, when India hosted the Asian Games, the commitment made years earlier to build the stadia and other infrastructure was fulfilled. Shri Gandhi

But his brother Sanjays death in an air crash in 1980 changed that.

Speaking at the Symposia on Rajivs Role in Promoting National Integration. 71

was entrusted with the task of getting all the work completed on time and ensuring that the games themselves were conducted without any hitches or flaws. In fulfilling this challenging task, he first displayed his flair for quiet efficiency and smooth coordination. At the same time, as General Secretary of the Congress, he started streamlining and energizing the party organization with equal diligence. All these qualities came to the fore later in far more testing and trying times. Highly impressed by his multifarious qualities and programmes Shri Harbjhajan Singh used his fortnightly magazine the Indian Observer and printed article after article to Congress Party's advantage. In October 1984 Smt. Indira Gandhis Securitymen assassinated her and Shri Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as Prime Minister. During the month long election campaign, Shri Gandhi traveled tirelessly from one part of the country to the other, covering a distance equal to one and a half times the earth's circumference, speaking at 250 meetings in as many places and meeting millions face to face. A Modern-minded, decisive but undemonstrative man, Shri Gandhi was at home in the world of high technology. And, as he repeatedly said, one of his main objectives, besides preserving India's unity, was to propel it into the twenty-first century. Highly impressed by his multifarious qualities and programmes Shri Harbjhajan Singh used his fortnightly magazine the Indian Observer and printed article after article to Congress Party's advantage. Rajiv remained the Prime Minister of India from 1984-1989. The nation placed a great responsibility on
72

Speaking on Contribution by Rajiv for India.

Rajiv Gandhi by asking him to head the government and that goes to his credit that he tried his utmost in fulfilling the same. And this according to the late Harbhajan Singh was the Golden Period in Country's history - Surely friends in deed as in life as after death. Mr Singh breathed his last on 5th April 06 having played his innings he left for the next world where all good people go. For God also needs good people.

73

Mother Teresa blessing

Giving a helping hand to Mother Teresa

74

...A Strong Supporter Of Humanity

Chapter

TRUE PATRIOT Shri Harbhajan Singh's whole life was fully devoted to the most dear causes namely National Unity of the Country and the integration of the Nation and he worked tirelessly towards that end till the very last day. Not only that he preached his views in public speeches but also put the same in actual practice when the time and occasion arose. A gentleman to the hilt with progressive views, a proud father of two sons and a daughter, Harbhajan Singh Ji married his darling daughter to a boy from a non-Sikh family. After Mrs. Indira Gandhi's unfortunate assassination by her own Securitymen in October 1984 the whole of Capital and some other parts of the country witnessed large-scale slaughter of Sikhs as its after effect. Like the rest
75

Harbhajan Singh Ji married his darling daughter to a boy from a nonSikh family.

... with former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral

...with the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda 76

of the nation he was greatly pained. Condemning the whole thing he said time and again in strongest of words that terrorists have no religion. They can come from any class from the World over. He exhorted forcefully that religion and politics do not go together. The two need not be mixed-up. Greatly peeved on the dastardly attack on Mrs Indira Gandhi he penned a book in record time. A Prime Minister Assassinated. For decades together he organized very enthusiastically very many Conferences, Seminars, Symposia meetings inviting all the political heavy-weights his personal friends from time to time to address the well attended gatherings. He was a man with roving eyes. Going a step further he used to honour men and women the brave sons and daughters from all over the country who worked for the national unity and integration of the country while celebrating Indira Gandhi's and Rajiv Gandhi's birthdays. The whole purpose behind all this was to spur others to carry on with the good work of healthy nation-building and constructive endeavour to keep the tricolor flag fluttering with our head high thereby giving a push to developmental activities. The salient feature being to recognize their merit and honouring the deserving ones publicly to boost their morale in order to set them on the road to achieve still higher goals. With every passing year he improved and enlarged the scope of his activities and that of the different organizations he headed in his capacity as the Founder Secretary General of National Unity Conference and NRI Welfare Society of India.

He used to honour men and women the brave sons and daughters from all over the country who worked for the national unity and integration of the country while celebrating Indira Gandhi's and Rajiv Gandhi's Birthdays.

77

...with the then Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar 78

He being a star speaker his services were utilised by his politician friends during general elections. The poet-politician and veteran Professor from Orissa S.S. Mohapatra the former secretary general of the All India Congress Committee, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, Vasant Sathe, Buta Singh, Bhishma Narain Singh, Arjun Singh, Jagjivan Ram, Balram Jakhar, A.R. Kidwai, Narayan Datt Tiwari, Chaudhari Randhir Singh, e.t.c. Even though he was quite close to Shri Rajiv Gandhi and Smt. Indira Gandhi and a seat in the Rajya Sabha or a Congress Ticket for the Lok Sabha was not too much for the asking, but he never hankered for any favors. That was not in his ilk. Such a thorough gentleman was Harbhajan Singh. Thousands of workers from all over the country coming from the media world of small & medium Press knew it well as to how dear to his heart was the dream of a united, peaceful and prosperous India - an India in which all Indians, irrespective of their religions, language or political persuasion live together as one big family in an atmosphere free from mutual rivalries and prejudices. But with his untimely death his work remains unfinished. So in order to complete that very task his friends step in full measure. For he infused them with self - confidence and a sense of purpose to work for a united, strong and prosperous nation - an India devoted to the cause of peace in a troubled world. I found out for myself three dominant traits in his outlook and they were first, his firm belief in India's future as a great country for at the end of each of his speeches he would say at the top of his voice - Mera Bharat Mahaan-; second his deep concern and compassion for the poor-in
79

Seat in the Rajya Sabha or a Congress Ticket for the Lok Sabha was not too much for the asking.

... with His Excellency Giani Zail Singh President of India

At the end of each of his speeches he would say at the top of his voice Mera Bharat Mahaan.
80

these two points he never made any compromise in thought or action. And third he was all proud of being an Indian and also exhorted his comrades to feel that way. Both as a person and as leader in his own right, he made monumental contribution to the concept of development without destruction ultimately leading to national unity and integration - For communal harmony worked and acted like more as a sort of bridge between India and Soviet Federation, India and The Chinese Republic.

A patriot to the core when terrorism was at its peak, taking the extreme step he tried to immolate himself opposite his Connaught Place Office at Palika Bazaar Gate No.7 that he had told every body in advance. The moment he poured oil on himself he was whisked away by the Delhi Police only to be released immediately afterwards. Today Harbhajan Singh Ji is not with us, physically speaking, but he is certainly with us in as far as his spirit is concerned and he continues working with us to strengthen further the organizations and institutions he stood for.

As far as his spirit is concerned he continues working with us to strengthen further the organizations and institutions he stood for.

...with the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee presenting a statue of Lord Ganesha 81

Shri Harbhajan Singh honouring Field Marshall K.M. Kariappa with the National Unity Award

Because in the ultimate analysis what really matters are the ideas, beliefs and policies one stands for. Harbhajan Singh, very often, led the Delegations of Federation members to the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Prime Minister's Residence. Harbhajan Singh, very often, led the Delegations of Federation members to the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Prime Minister's Residence. He also saw to it that his active ones were placed on the highest decision making Bodies of the Media like National Accreditation Committee, the Press Council of India, Member Press Information Bureau, on DAVP empanelment in a 3Member Committee to release Government advertisements to Small and Medium Newspapers that added strength to the Federation. I am reminded of at one of such receptions Mr. Jai Prakash Agarwal, The Rajya Sabha Member and currently
82

President Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee had this to say about Harbhajan Singh and I quote "He loved inviting people and playing as a good host. Those were the days of Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai. There was a regular exchange of Delegations from the Fourth Estate-Media People and Cultural Delegations visiting the Peoples Republic of China and Chinese Delegations visiting India. Sardar Harbhajan Singh himself led many a Delegation and wrote and reported in the He loved inviting people and playing as a good host.

Over a cup of Tea with Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw 83

Indian Observer in serialized form for his readers benefit and knowledge at length about his impressions on China, their remarkable achievements and excellent all-round progress made in a short span of time having got their independence in the year 1949. Numerous readers of Indian Observer sent letters to the Editor congratulating

Welcoming Honble Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, President of India 84

Dr. Manmohan Singh with Shri Harbhajan Singh at his Defence Colony residence

him for his sense and style of description. The Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi in a signed letter was all praise for Mr. Singh and had this to say, Your impressions regarding China are very interesting and informative too. Keep it up."

The Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi in a signed letter was all praise for Mr. Singh and had this to say, Your impressions regarding China are very interesting and informative too. Keep it up.

85

BIG THREE

Making a point is Shri Harbhajan Singh others are Lord Swraj Paul, NRI, U.K., and Prof. S.S. Mohapatra former General Secretary All India Congress Committee.

...Championed the Cause for NRIs and PIOs

Chapter

7
With his interactions with the NonResident Indians and Peoples of Indian origin he learnt about their difficulties and problems and decided to help them in his own humble way.

DURING his numerous visits to various countries the

world over - Harbhajan Singh met a large number of Indians from different States of India coming from urban and rural country side and making fortunes having settled in the country of their choice and further raising families. With his interactions with the Non-Resident Indians and Peoples of Indian origin he learnt about their difficulties and problems and decided to help them in his own humble way, concerned as he was, on seeing about their plight first hand. So without losing any time he got himself busy seriously in right earnest and formed a society. Thus NRI Welfare Society of India was the result and he got it Registered functioning from his residence D-253 in Defence Colony New Delhi - 110 024. Naturally, as the

87

Shri Harbhajan Singh General Secretary NRI Welfare Society of India presenting NRI excellence award to Mrs and Mr Trinetra Bajpai NRI from Soudi Arabia

...shows Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award he received from (Madanjeet Singh the Goodwill Ambassador United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, Paris, Seen with him Satish Batra NRI from Germany.

Shri Harbhajan Singh and Minister Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler presenting NRI excellence award to Mrs and Gauhar Nawab from United Kingdom

founder member, he was the Secretary General and the moving spirit behind the Society. With his personal influence he invited all the political heavy weights to join the NRI Welfare Society in other key positions and members to give a boost to the cause that was dear to him. Dr. Bhishma Narain Singh a former Union Minister and Governor of Assam and Tamilnadu, a staunch believer of Gandhian philosophy, has been associated with the Society for more than a decade and is the President of the Society. Shri Vasant Sathe, another Senior Congress Leader and former Union Minister, has been associated with the Society since its inception. He played a glorious role and was instrumental in his pursuing the issue of dual citizenship with the authorities. Dr G.V.G Krishnamurthy, a legal luminary, one of the strongest pillars of the Society took care of the legal issues and related legal aspects. Another heavy weight Prof. S.S. Mohapatra former Secretary AICC, gave his all out support to NRI cause. Harbhajan Singh set up the Society at a time when the words NRIs and PIOs were alien to Indians. Generally speaking the ordinary people did not know as to what the words stood for. For Harbhajan Singh was a great visionary and was quite ahead of his times. Slowly and steadily others too Rajiv Gandhi, Narain Datt Tiwari, Narasimha Rao, Chandrashekhar, Inder Kumar Gujral, Deve Gowda, Arjun Singh, M.V. Rajasekharan, Minister Planning, Tarlochan

With his personal influence he invited all the political heavy weights to join the NRI Welfare Society.

Harbhajan Singh set up the Society at a time when the words NRIs and PIOs were alien to Indians.

89

90

Singh, Parliamentarian and Chairman National Minorities Commission, A M Singhvi Spokesman AICC, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Shivraj Patil presently the Union Home Minister. Dr Manmohan Singh the then Finance Minister, Sunil Dutt, joined for the great cause and it seemed that the day was not far off when things will work out for the betterment of the NRIs and persons of Indian Origin Helped Make Possible The Return Of The NRIs Thus those sons of the soil who had left the country almost empty handed and had worked wonders with their hard work and earned fortunes settled in their respective countries saw a ray of hope and gave the much needed momentum by joining the NRI Welfare Society and attending the Society-held International Congresses year after year permanent dates from 24-28 January in Delhi and Jaipur a 4-day annual feature. Concrete results followed before every body to see. NRI Commissioner was appointed to look into the genuine grievances of the NRIs and PIOs. A separate Ministry was created to look into the problems of the PIOs and NRIs. Jagdish Tyler was the first to head the Ministry meant for Overseas Indian Affairs followed by Oscar Fernandes. Vayalar Ravi took over from where Fernandes left. Overseas Indian Card was started on the lines of American Green Card with some changes. The Government of India headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh as also earlier by Atal Behari Vajpayee, his
91

Society-held International Congresses year after year permanent dates from 24-28 January in Delhi and Jaipur a 4-day annual feature. Concrete results followed before every body to see.

NEW DELHI, THE PIONEER 15

predecessor celebrated NRI Diwas for the last 5 years whereas Harbhajan Singh celebrated 25th International Congress of NRIs from 24th - 28th January in 2005 at New Delhi and Jaipur - A congregation of more than 600 NRIs participating from various parts of the world offering them a golden opportunity to invest to their advantage also bringing them to their roots - for the love of their Motherland. Dr. Satish Batra from Germany was chosen as President NRI with voice vote.

There were NRIs galore everywhere. Trinetra Bajpai, a high profile business executive and Sr. Vice President of the Manso Group, the pioneer in Petrochemical Industry their field - from Saudi Arabia - a great source of strength to the Society is the International President of the Society. Other important ones, the guiding lights are Gauhar Nawab of London from the Hospitality More than 600 Industry - Euro Group of Hotels - By bringing together the NRIs participating NRIs from the world over on his one and the only platform from various parts Harbhajan Singh cast them into a potential force to reckon of the world with. His NRI Welfare Society of India deemed its privilege offering them a to honour NRIs - the sons of the soil and daughters of the golden nation - who had kept the name of the country high and opportunity to today contributing to the economy of the country by invest to their sending forex to their dear and near ones back home in advantage also India - with Hind Rattan Awards. bringing them to their roots - for By bringing them into the mainstream and their the love of their untold investments in core sectors, hospitals, educational Motherland. institutions, NGOs and charitable institutions gave them publicity through his well - brought out 4 - colour
93

The Government of India headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh as also earlier by Atal Behari Vajpayee, his predecessor celebrated NRI Diwas for the last 5 years whereas Harbhajan Singh celebrated 25th International Congress of NRIs.

A letter of appreciation from External Affairs

... with Shri G.V.G. Krishnamurthy former Chief Election Commissioner of India celebrating the success of conference 94

... with Dr. Manmohan Singh the then Union Finance Minister

Magazine titled NRI - LINK from his own 5 Star Printers in Karol Bagh New Delhi . To mention a few NRIs would not be out of place. Mrs Manish Sagar - Canada, Dr Varghese Manicketh - Italy, Binay Kumar Dutta - Nigeria, P V. S. Sagar-Nigeria, . Dr. Steve Surujbally Guyana, South America, Hathangadi Hemant Rao Dubai, Kamal Lochan Das Oman, John D' Mello - Saudi Arabia Gopinath Mandal-Bahrain, P Kuruvilla Raju - Bahrain, Mrs Indira Rao Donthineni U. K, . A. J. Sabju Yaqoob Dubai, Sarjit Singh Myrrpurey U. K, Ashok Bhambhani, U. S. A, Dr Prafulla V. Wani, Abu Dhabi, Harish K. Bajaj, Newzealand, Ram Aggarwall, U. K, MNS Swamy - Canada, Dr Bansi P Kashyap-U. S. A, . Dr Pandare S. Sugathan-Brunei, Sam Dara Dastur Saudi Arabia, Dr Sameer Kalandan - Qatar, Dr Dev Sharma Thambirajan - U. K., Vevegananthan Thambirajah - U. K.,
95

96

Dr. C. K. Govind Rao - U. S. A.,Lawrence F. Mendonca Dubai, Madhav V. Amin - Saudi arabia, Ramesh D. Kalicharan - U. S. A., Giriraj K.Modani - Myanmar, Shantaram B. Valke - Saudi Arabia, Mathews P Kurien . Saudi Arabia, Dilip George - Saudi Arabia, Shyam K. Parashar - Saudi Arabia, G. Satheesan - Malaysia, Ashok K. G. Poduval - Malaysia, Jaswinder Singh Rana Canada, Capt. Mukunray Patel - U. K., Dr. Inderpal S. Chadha - U. S. A., Dr. Indresh Khanna - Malaysia, Dr. Hemchander K. Rao - Australia, K. Narayanan Nair Zambia, Jagdev Singh Purewal - U.K.

Honble Al Saleh Al Saleh, Commerce Minister, Bahrain 97

Words fall short to describe his inspiring and He was calm, in appealing personality. His charisma was enviable and deeds worth all the applaud and appreciation. His business skills control, passionate about impeccable and precise. He was a man of different and many moods. He was calm, in control, passionate about his his work and humanitarian par work and humanitarian par excellence. His grace and qualities were near perfect. He dared not only to dream excellence. but achieved the same with gusto and in record time too.

Presenting a bouquet to Smt. Pratibha Patil the then Governor of Rajasthan at Jaipur 98

... with Shri K.R. Narayanan the then President of India

His inner urge to do something for the journalists of the small medium newspapers, for the Non-Resident After his heart Indians, for NRIs investments for the country after his heart India - his India - his patriotism for the Nations unity and his love for patriotism for the the family, friends was par excellence. Nations unity and his love for the Kudos to the thorough gentleman and his family, friends was achievements. Surely he showed the dream come true - par excellence. the way to go - the right way.

99

...with Indira Gandhi

A Fighter For Womens Rights

Chapter

Harbhajan Singh was for womens emancipation. He took a bold stand for their rights, deadly against female sex foeticide, he was all for their equal pay for equal work in all fields specially labour where there is lot of discrimination. Year after year Harbhajan Singh Ji organised Seminars, Symposia, Conferences, Conclaves etc. International Womens Day on March 8 and on the eve of Smt. Indira Gandhis Birthday in the month of November to highlight Womens Role in Nation building. Not only that he also honoured the select ones with Indira Priyadarshini Awards for excellence in their respective fields.
101

S HRI

He took a bold stand for their rights, deadly against female sex foeticide.

... with Smt. Pratibha Patil

His roving eyes spotted many a woman who had made their mark and the ones who were out to make a mark and honoured them publicly.
102

His roving eyes spotted many a woman who had made their mark and the ones who were out to make a mark and honoured them publicly like Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, eminent dancers, Shovna Narayan, Sonal Mansingh, Isher Judge Ahluwalia a top economist, Ms. Shahnaz Husain the Herbal Queen, Ms Suchi Sharma Chief Commissioner Jaipur Municipal Corporation, Ambica Soni, Ms. Ila Arun Pop Singer, Jaya Prada Film Star turned Parliamentarian, Mrs R.M. Bathew Chairperson Union Public Service Commission, Zohra Sehgal the

noted artist, Pinaz Masani, Ms Meira Kumar an IFS turned politician, and to top them all Mother Teresa with a decent cash Award for her to utilise the money in the service of the poor. He was in constant touch with leading luminaries like Mohini Giri, Girija Vyas and Rita Bhauguna for further efforts in that direction for the betterment of their poor lot. According to Harbhajan Singh all available labour need be deployed for capital construction and that alone would ensure a reasonable level of living for all and reducing the birth rate, to attain equality of opportunity for all, there was dire need for land reforms, womens rights

He was in constant touch with leading luminaries like Mohini Giri, Girija Vyas and Rita Bhauguna for further efforts in that direction for the betterment of their poor lot.

At Home with U.Ps Firebrand Lady Smt. Rita Bahuguna 103

 In fact he organised many a seminar, conference to focus on issues that related to the Ladies of the Land.

Escorting Smt. Ila Pant a leading social activist to the dais

in property, universal education and primary health care were the burning and important issues that required immediate attention and he fought for each one of that as his goal till his last breath. He was for making the dawn the beginning of a new era where freedom will mean equal opportunities for all. Harbhajan Singh Ji never waited for an invitation to fight for womens right. In fact he organised many a seminar, conference to focus on issues that related to the Ladies of the Land. He took up cudgels against the authorities to press for their just demands over the years through his vehicle Indian Observer.

104

I am reminded of once on seeing a woman social worker pitted against the mighty BJP stalwart Lal Krishan Advani way back in 1989 General Elections, Mr Singh, with no ego status whatsoever, went upto her offering his services as a Speaker and help print brochure and pamphlets. That lady was none other than Dr. V. Mohini Giri Chairperson, Guild of Service (North India). Such a fine human being was Harbhajan Singh greatly missed by people like Mohini Giri who stands poor with his passing away. He organised Seminars on International Womens Day year after year and on Smt. Indira Gandhis Birthday to lay stress on womens role in Nation Building, for their equal rights vis-a-vis men, fair representation in Government Civic bodies, in Legislatures and Parliament. He was deeply concerned regarding Female infanticide that long existed in our society especially in

He was deeply concerned regarding Female infanticide that long existed in our society.

... with Social activist Ms. Nafisa Ali at a Seminar 105

On The Dais with Ms Veena Verma, M.P Ms. Girija Vyas, ., now Chairperson Womens Commission and P J. Kurien, M.P . .

northern and western states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. But the point of concern modern age of 'development', new technologies like ultrasound diagnostic methods are being used to identify the gender of the foetus in the women, leading to large-scale female foeticide. This kind of civilized' extermination of a particular sex and that too in the name of democratic' choice' speaks volumes of the kind of values and human essence that is being created today in the global world of liberalization. Both these practices of female foeticide and infanticide are the result of the deep rooted son preference prevalent in most sections of our society today. This son preference is actually acquiring new dimensions and is being
106

strengthened by certain economic and social processes underway today. Female foeticide in Haryana has not only led to an alarming fall in male-female sex ratio, it has added many cruel dimensions to the nature of violence and crime and is even causing great disturbances and imbalances at the family level and in inter-personal relationships. Now what is the impact of this decline, especially on the status of women and on men-women relations?

Honble Venkataraman and Shri Harbhajan Singh Honouring Ms Jaya Prada 107

...with an International Social Activist from Uganda.

Common perception has it that if women are less in number than men, it would enhance their status as they will be much sought after by men. This is to facetious argument one comes across sometimes and has totally been believed in Haryana and other places. The experience of Haryana is a convincing counter to it in the sense that instead of increasing the demand for girls, it has led to manifold increase in violence and crime against them and made them more vulnerable in may ways. Further, due to this decline in sex ratio, the trend of exchange called Atta Batta meaning (A girl will be married in exchange of an other girl for her brother) is on in many of the communities, particularly Gujjars and others.
108

Another very disturbing trend is that most of the women, almost all of them in rural areas, in an attempt to have first male child, take all kind of medicines from quacks and local practitioners and this is leading to various deformities in the growth and formation of foetus of the child. With the decline in sex ratios the parents of even the educated families prefer to marry their daughters at an early age for the reason that it is difficult to find highly educated body at a later stage and the girls are not safe and secure in the society. So the earlier they are 'disposed off', the better it is. Female Foeticide the sex selective abortion of girlshardly surprises anyone, anymore. Every year, as Women's

Shri Harbhajan Singh with Margaret Alva at a Seminar. 109

Day approaches, the issue becomes a matter of debate, women oraganisations bring out protest marches, feminists cry foul, the government announces new programmes and policies to save the girl child and then everything is foregottenand the killings of the female foetuses continuing unabated. The resultthe country is on the verge of a gender imbalance. In fact, the sex ration in many prosperous towns and cities across the country has already touched dangerously low levels. Among those affected are the metros too: South Delhi, South Mimbai, South Cennai, Bangalore, while the situation has crossed the danger mark in cities like Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Kurukshetra, Ahmedabad where it has fallen below 850. In Many districts of Andhra Pradesh like Krishna, Chittoor and Ranga Reddy, which are the most prosperous districts in the state, the sex ration is highly skewed. The same is the case in Salem and Theni district in Tamil Nadu where the sex ratio has touched as low as 826 and 893 respectively. So, education affluence and modernity has not changed the depressing scenario for the girl child.

110

Shri Harbhajan Singh Ji organised the last Conference on 8th March 2006 to mark the International Womens Day

Shri Harbhajan Singhs turn to Light the Lamp, G.V.G. Krishnamurthy, M.V. Rajasekharan and Dr. Bhisham Narain Singh look on

... speaking on the Role of Women in Building the Society.

111

Dad & Mom

...made for each other couple

112

Smt. Kanta Singh

a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a wonderful host all rolled into one

Chapter

9
There goes a saying that behind every successful man there is a woman. Very true. So behind Mr Harbhajan Singh's success is Mrs. Kanta Singh.

THERE goes a saying that behind every successful

man there is a woman. Very true. So behind Mr Harbhajan Singh's success is Mrs. Kanta Singh. Meeting her is a pleasure. A wonderful HOST with a smile. Hosting parties at her Defence Colony Residence is her forte. Parties at short notice, for Mr Singh had a hectic life and he loved throwing parties to his numerous friends and he had a wide circle of friends from all fields political, industrial, films, sports, arts and of course media. At times he had to catch a flight all of a sudden and Kanta Ji will not get caught napping. Taking care of the minutest details, his baggage will be ready as per his requirements.

113

... Flanked by myself and Gurinder

114

An obedient daughter-in-law, devoted wife, a loving mother and an extraordinary, caring mother-in-law and super grandma , who knows no difference between sons and the son-in-law and the daughter and daughters-in-law. They were blessed with two sons, Gurinder and myself and a daughter Neetu. Me, my brother and sister were really proud of our father. We used to believe that life doesnt come with instruction book that is why fathers are made. Soft spoken one feels the whiff of fresh air as She enters the Drawing Room

We used to believe that life doesnt come with instruction book that is why fathers are made.

Shri Harbhajan Singh and Shri Shivraj Patil sharing the food from the same plate offered by daughter-in-law Smt. Simran Deepak Singh. 115

{From the Family Album}

Myself with Mom, Dad and sister Neetu Mehra

Brother Gurinder, Dad, Gauhar Nawab a family friend and Sister-in-law Sheena Singh

Dad with Sister Neetu Mehra

Dad with Brother-in-law Rajeev Mehra

Dedicate yourself to the Service of Mankind and you will get a place in the Court of Lord.