Tarlochan Singh, Politician
Politician

Tarlochan Singh

Born 28 July 1933 · verify

Serving as Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities from 2003 to 2006.

S. Tarlochan Singh is an Indian politician. He is a former member of the Parliament of India, representing Haryana. He served as Chairman National Commission for Minorities from 2003 to 2006, was member, National Human Rights Commission of India, Govt.

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A detail that
surprised us

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He was the first Member of Parliament to speak Punjabi with simultaneous translation in the Rajya Sabha, breaking linguistic barriers in parliamentary proceedings.

The Story

1
In 1947, at age 14, Tarlochan Singh escaped Partition violence from Dhudial (now Pakistan) to Patiala, balancing work and studies during a time when his family faced life-threatening upheaval.
2
🌟 By 1982, he was Director of Publicity for the IXth Asian Games in New Delhi, where his promotional strategies earned the Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold awards, spotlighting India’s tourism potential.
3Between 1983 and 1987, he served as Press Secretary to President Giani Zail Singh, navigating the highest echelons of Indian political communication during a period marked by intense national challenges.
4As Managing Director and later Chairman of Delhi Tourism (1987–1999), he created iconic attractions like Dilli Haat and Hauz Khas Tourist Complex, transforming Delhi’s cultural landscape and tourism appeal.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2021
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1982, as the Director of Publicity for the IXth Asian Games in New Delhi, Tarlochan Singh won the Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold award for promoting Indian tourism, a rare honor for a public relations official at the time.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Dhudial, Punjab (now Pakistan)
Tarlochan Singh was born to Ram Piari and Balwant Singh in Dhudial, then part of British India, now in Pakistan’s Chakwal district.
1933
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Other
Family migrates post-Partition to Patiala
During the Partition of India, Tarlochan Singh and his family fled from Dhudial to Patiala, facing hardship and displacement.
1947
📚
Education
Master’s degree in Economics from Punjab University
He completed his MA in Economics from Punjab University, Chandigarh, after early schooling and college education in Patiala.
1955
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Career
Director of Publicity, IX Asian Games, New Delhi
Managed publicity for the 1982 Asian Games, earning a Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold award for his work.
1982
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Career
Appointed Press Secretary to President of India
Served as Press Secretary to President Giani Zail Singh from 1983 to 1987 during a politically sensitive period.
1983
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Career
Chairman of Delhi Tourism Corporation
Oversaw the development of Delhi’s cultural hubs including Dilli Haat and Hauz Khas Tourist Complex from 1997 to 1999.
1997
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Career
Chairman, National Commission for Minorities
Held cabinet minister status as Chairman from 2003 to 2006, advocating minority rights and Sikh causes including Afghan Sikh resettlement.
2003
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Career
Member of Rajya Sabha from Haryana
Elected to the Upper House of Parliament, serving from August 2004 to July 2010 and pushing for Sikh religious identity recognition.
2004
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

During his tenure as Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (2003–2006), he played a crucial role in rescuing and resettling Sikhs fleeing Afghanistan’s civil war, a humanitarian effort rarely publicized.

02 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

He was the first Sikh MP to introduce a bill in the Indian Parliament to amend Article 25 to grant Sikhs the status of a separate religion from Hindus, though the bill remains pending due to parliamentary disruptions.

03 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Tarlochan Singh was Press Secretary to the President of India from 1983 to 1987, serving under Giani Zail Singh during a politically turbulent era that included the aftermath of Operation Blue Star and rising communal tensions.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
EP-348 | The 'Secular King' | Untold Story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh & the Sikhs | Tarlochan Singh
More from this archive
EP-348 | The 'Secular King' | Untold Story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh & the Sikhs | Tarlochan Singh
01
EP-348 | The 'Secular King' | Untold Story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh & the Sikhs | Tarlochan Singh
Did Nehru Ignore Religion in Independent India? | Tarlochan Singh
02
Did Nehru Ignore Religion in Independent India? | Tarlochan Singh
The Sikh Legacy in Modern Delhi’s Construction | Tarlochan Singh
03
The Sikh Legacy in Modern Delhi’s Construction | Tarlochan Singh
The Never-Ending Haryana-Punjab Fight | Tarlochan Singh
04
The Never-Ending Haryana-Punjab Fight | Tarlochan Singh
Tarlochan Singh on President address Budget session 2010-http://tarlochansingh.com
05
Tarlochan Singh on President address Budget session 2010-http://tarlochansingh.com
Tarlochan Singh on Maharaja Dalip singh - http://tarlochansingh.com
06
Tarlochan Singh on Maharaja Dalip singh - http://tarlochansingh.com
GENOCIDE 1984- Interview with Sardar Tarlochan Singh- Part 2/3
07
GENOCIDE 1984- Interview with Sardar Tarlochan Singh- Part 2/3
S. Tarlochan Singh Interview- Fair&Square-2- http://tarlochansingh.com
08
S. Tarlochan Singh Interview- Fair&Square-2- http://tarlochansingh.com
Satpal Singh Johal Interviews Tarlochan Singh ExMP+Parlad Singh Chandok, Ex President DGMC
09
Satpal Singh Johal Interviews Tarlochan Singh ExMP+Parlad Singh Chandok, Ex President DGMC
Tarlochan Singh, former LS member on clashes inside Golden Temple
10
Tarlochan Singh, former LS member on clashes inside Golden Temple

🌱 What changed because of them

Tarlochan Singh’s leadership in the National Commission for Minorities gave Sikhs a stronger voice in government policy, notably through efforts to amend marriage laws and advocate for Sikh religious identity. His development of Delhi tourism landmarks like Dilli Haat altered the city’s cultural and economic landscape. Additionally, his parliamentary actions elevated Sikh heritage within India’s political institutions, fostering greater recognition of minority histories.

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