Indian Overseas Congress USA Hosts Memorial Event Honoring Late Harbachan Singh and Reception of Hibi Eden M.P. and Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy M.P. at Royal Albert's Palace, Fords, in New Jersey, September 26, 2024

The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOCUSA), in association with its New Jersey, Telangana, and Kerala Chapters, organized a solemn memorial event at Albert’s Palace, Edison, New Jersey, to pay tribute to Shri Harbachan Singh, the long-serving Secretary-General of IOCUSA, whose passing marks an irreplaceable loss to the organization and the Indian diaspora.

The program was attended by leaders and members representing multiple IOCUSA chapters. Ms. Praveen Singh, daughter of the late Harbachan Singh, offered floral tributes on behalf of the family.

The Chief Guests, Members of Parliament Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Shri Hibi Eden, spoke warmly of Sri Harbachan Singh and joined the gathering in offering heartfelt tributes to his decades of dedicated service. Both leaders used the occasion not only to honor his memory but also to engage with the community on key issues facing India today. They spoke at length about India’s current development trajectory, the challenges that must be addressed to achieve inclusive growth, and the critical role of the overseas Indian community in making the country more vibrant and self-sustainable. They also highlighted the growth and opportunities in their respective states, underlining the potential in export, innovation, and other emerging sectors, and encouraged diaspora members to contribute their expertise and investments to further strengthen these areas.

Messages of condolence were also shared by Sam Pitroda, Global Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, and Shri Rahul Gandhi, who described Harbachan Singh as a pillar of IOCUSA’s activities in the United States, particularly in the New York area. They praised his simplicity, dedication to the nation, and selfless work, calling his passing a “huge loss to the IOC family and to the nation.”

Among those present were IOC USA Vice Chair George Abraham, National President Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Working President Pradeep Samala, and New Jersey Chapter President Peter Kothari, along with Telangana Chapter President Rajeswar Reddy and Chairman Ram Gadula. From the Kerala Chapter, Chairman Paul Karukappally, Rajender Dichpally , IOC Leader, Deputy Chairman R. Jayachandran , and NJ Kerala Chapter President James George , who introduced MP Hibi Eden all took part in the program. Vice President Baldev Randhawa, Treasurer Joshua Jai Singh, General Secretary Sophia Sharma, and IT Focal Point Rajiv Mohan also joined, as did Jose Charummood, who delivered a moving eulogy together with Mohinder Singh and George Abraham. Other senior leaders, such as Rajiv Gowda, President of the Karnataka Chapter, Srinivasa Rao, President of the AP Chapter, Imran Pasha, President of the New York Chapter, along with other eminent personalities, Social Activists, and friends of IOC USA  were also in attendance.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, National President of IOC USA, said Harbachan Singh “was a true soldier of the Congress and young at heart no matter what,” recalling his tireless service and his warmth in bringing people together.

George Abraham, Vice Chair of IOCUSA, added that “his tireless service was not just an obligation, it was his calling, a reflection of his deep love for the Indian diaspora and his commitment to its unity.”

Speakers throughout the evening celebrated Harbachan Singh’s unwavering dedication, humility, and commitment to unity, emphasizing that his contributions shaped the very foundation of IOCUSA. On behalf of the Indian Overseas Congress USA, heartfelt condolences were extended to Harbachan Singh’s family, including his son Ramesh Singh, daughters Praveen Singh and Sukhwant Shimkaveg, and all loved ones.

Harbachan Singh’s legacy of service, humility, and selflessness will continue to inspire the Indian Overseas Congress USA and guide its mission for years to come, instilling a sense of hope and inspiration in all those who follow in his footsteps.