The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOCUSA) held a memorial on Sept. 26 in Edison, New Jersey, to honor late Harbachan Singh, the organization’s long-serving secretary-general, who passed away on Sept. 19.
The gathering, hosted at Albert’s Palace, brought together members from IOCUSA’s New Jersey and multiple U.S. chapters, alongside senior office bearers and community figures. Floral tributes were offered by Singh’s daughter, Praveen Singh, on behalf of the family.
Chief guests and Members of Parliament Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and Hibi Eden praised Singh’s decades of service while using the occasion to discuss India’s development trajectory. They highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in fostering inclusive growth and called for contributions in areas such as exports, innovation, and emerging sectors.
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In virtual messages, Sam Pitroda, global chairman of IOC, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to Singh. Gandhi described him as “a pillar of IOCUSA’s activities in the United States” and emphasized his “simplicity, dedication to the nation, and selfless work,” calling his passing “a huge loss to the IOC family and to the nation.”
National president of IOCUSA, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, remembered Singh as “a true soldier of the Congress and young at heart no matter what,” noting his tireless efforts to build connections. Vice chair George Abraham added, “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.”
Other senior leaders, including Pradeep Samala, Peter Kothari, Rajeswar Reddy, and Paul Karukappally, joined in honoring Singh’s legacy. Eulogies delivered by Jose Charummood, Mohinder Singh, and George Abraham further underscored his influence within the organization.
Speakers throughout the evening emphasized Singh’s humility, unity-building, and devotion to the Congress cause, pledging that his values will continue to guide IOCUSA’s mission in the years ahead.
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