Harbachan Singh, Esq., was a devoted husband to Susil Singh and a loving father to Sukhwant, Ramesh, and Praveen.
Born in Klang, Malaysia, he was the fifth of seven children of Kishen Singh and Dhan Kaur and grew up in their devout Sikh family. Before he went to England, he served in the Royal Malaysian Police Force. He then earned his qualification as a Barrister-at-Law in England and later received his master’s in public policy from St. John University in New York.
He went on to have a long and distinguished career with the United Nations, where he contributed his expertise to global diplomacy and international relations and served as Chairman of the Committee on Contracts.
After retiring from the UN, he dedicated himself to public service and community leadership, holding senior leadership roles in organizations including Community Board 8 in Queens, New York, the Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC), the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the Holocaust Center at Queens College, and the Board of Queens General Hospital, to name just a few.
He was also an honored and trusted advisor to politicians at the local, state, and national levels in both the United States and India.
In his later years, he embraced life as a mentor, traveler, and, above all, a beloved grandfather, cherishing the time spent with his grandchildren.
A number of Mr. Singh’s associates and friends have condoled his passing away.
George Abraham said in his eulogy at the funeral.
We gather here today with heavy hearts to mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Harbachan Singh, the long-serving Secretary-General of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. His sudden departure has left us in shock, and his absence leaves a void that will be very hard to fill.
Harbachan was more than a leader. He was a pillar of strength, a source of inspiration, and a true friend to so many. Over the years, he left an indelible mark on this organization, shaping its vision and values with clarity, dedication, and conviction. His leadership was not confined to titles or positions—it was felt in the way he listened, the way he encouraged, and the way he brought people together. 
As Secretary-General, Harbachan ensured that our community remained informed, engaged, and inspired. He approached every responsibility with integrity and an open heart, always receptive to feedback and always striving to make our organization stronger. 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.
But beyond his official duties, Harbachan was a man of great warmth and humility. He built bridges where there were divides, nurtured relationships that spanned generations, and embodied the values of inclusiveness that we all aspire to. His kindness, his humanity, and his sense of service touched every person who had the privilege of knowing him.
Many condoled Mr. Singh’s demise.
Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama wrote:
The sudden and untimely demise of Sardar Harbachan Singh has shocked his family, friends and admirers. A loyal friend and a passionate champion of community causes, he will be missed by many individuals who knew him and organizations by the dozens with which he was associated. The void left by him is hard to fill. However, the best tribute we can pay him is to continue to do the good work for the community he championed.
For me his demise is a personal loss. He was a supporter, patron and dear friend.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends and pray for eternal peace to the dear departed soul.
Mr. Ashook K Ramsaran wrote:
Harbachan Singh was an intelligent man, a highly respected community person who was actively engaged on issues of interest and concern among various groups and organizations. He will be sorely missed by many.
Condolences to his family on his passing.
Indian Overseas Congress Expressed deep shock and sorrow at the sudden passing of Harbachan Singh, the organization’s Secretary-General.
The Indian Overseas Congress, USA expresses its deep shock and profound sadness at the sudden passing of Harbachan Singh, the long-serving Secretary-General of the organization.
“He left an indelible mark on the organization, shaping its vision and values, and his passing is a profound loss to all who knew him,” said George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the IOCUSA.
“Throughout his tenure, Mr. Singh was deeply committed to strengthening the organization and advancing its mission. As Secretary-General, he ensured that the public remained informed about IOCUSA’s activities and was always receptive to feedback, using it constructively to improve the efficiency and reach of the organization. His dedication, integrity, and tireless service became a guiding light for his colleagues and a source of inspiration for many in the Indian diaspora”.
Beyond his official responsibilities, Mr. Singh was admired for his warmth, humility, and unwavering commitment to community service. He built bridges, nurtured relationships, and embodied the values of unity and inclusiveness that the Indian Overseas Congress stands for.
His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill, but his contributions and legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and members of the organization. The Indian Overseas Congress, USA extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this time of immense grief.
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