Welcome to the second episode of our journey in search of Humble Heroes as we focus our spotlight on such inspiring journeys to enrich the community and its readers. In an extraordinary meeting of milestones, Kamaljeet Singh, the first Sikligar Sikh journalist, sat down with Randhir Singh, the first Sikligar Sikh advocate from Jaipur. The significance of this exchange can’t be understated: Two trailblazers from the same community, each carving out a niche in professions where their community has been historically underrepresented. As WSN correspondent, Kamaljeet Singh, through his questions, delves into the inspiring journey of Randhir Singh.

Randhir Singh battled social, educational, and economic barriers to emerge as an influential advocate practicing at the Rajasthan High Court. He sheds light on the obstacles he overcame, and the people who motivated him along the way. Randhir Singh’s professional journey serves as a powerful testament to the hitherto untapped resilience and potential of the Sikligar Sikh community.

In a world often quick to stereotype, Randhir Singh defies convention. A self-motivated individual with a journey as fascinating as his career, Singh is the first Sikligar Sikh advocate hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Rising from a community known for its educational dropouts and challenges, Singh is not just a lawyer practicing at the lower courts, Sessions Courts and Rajasthan High Court but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for Sikligar Sikh youths.

“Every person here loves and feels proud of me. The elders even affectionately call me ‘Vakeel Sahab’.”

Randhir Singh goes beyond courtrooms and legal briefs. He relishes the ‘people’ aspect of his job, where he gets to help others exercise their rights. “It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor; everyone deserves justice,” he emphasizes. This philosophy has earned him the love and respect of not just his family but also his community at large. “Every person here loves and feels proud of me. The elders even affectionately call me ‘Vakeel Sahab’,” he says with a smile.

Early Years: The Turning Point
Randhir Singh’s career trajectory is far from conventional. Initially, his dreams were set on becoming an entrepreneur. However, under the influence of his family and mentors, he found himself gravitating towards law. “My parents urged me not to continue the family profession of steel fabrication, as it had become a stereotype for uneducated Sikligar Sikhs. After much exploration, I decided to pursue a career in law,” shares Singh.

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Read Hindi version of this story here

जयपुर के पहले सिकलीगर सिख एडवोकेट ने लोगों के अधिकारों की रक्षा करने का लिया संकल्प

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Obstacles on the Path to Success
Building a career was no cakewalk for Singh. Financial constraints were a constant challenge; and so was societal pressure. “It was difficult to explain my choices to my family and people around me,” Singh recalls. At one point, they even questioned his place in the legal world. “Listening to people’s comments made me question why I was in this field.”

“Garnering money for fees, fuel and even a cup of tea was a challenge,” he added.

However, resilience and an unwavering focus kept him going. “I consider myself a perpetual learner. It took a lot of time and effort to reach where I am today,” he noted.

The Guiding Light: An Uncle’s Influence
“My uncle -Jarnail Singh adopted me at a young age. A sober and supportive figure, my uncle steered me clear of the pitfalls common among Sikligar youth. He is the one who suggested I become a lawyer,” says Singh. My colleagues and senior lawyers are my mentors and they guide me every step of the way.

Paving the Way for Others
“In my time, we didn’t have much guidance or technology. Today’s youth should leverage technology to learn new things and build their careers,” Singh advises. He also speaks against destructive temptations like intoxication that are diverting many from their path. He noted with pain that the forefathers of present-day Sikligar Sikhs were devout Sikhs, whereas today some youth are going astray.

Through his work and his words, Singh is steadily altering the narrative. He takes up cases of public interest with pride and is pleased to provide pro bono services to those who need, in the true spirit of a Sikh -always ready for Sarbat da Bhala.

Where the Road Leads
When asked about his future plans, Singh is candid: “I’m preparing for exams like that of the Rajasthan Judicial Services and to become a Public Prosecutor. It’s a long journey, but I’m committed to it.” His aspirations aren’t just personal but stem from a desire to pave a broader path for those following in his footsteps.

The converging paths of these two pioneering figures offer a captivating lens through which we can explore the shifting dynamics within the Sikligar Sikh community. This interview, conducted by one community trailblazer to another, is more than just a dialogue; it’s a clarion call for change, aspiration, and the breaking of barriers. We are answering the call of the Sikligar Sikhs, will you?