The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOCUSA), in association with its New Jersey, Telangana, and Kerala Chapters, hosted a solemn memorial September 26, 2025, at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, New Jersey, to pay tribute to Harbachan Singh, the long-serving Secretary-General of IOCUSA, who passed away recently.
Singh’s demise “marks an irreplaceable loss to the organization and the Indian diaspora,” a press release from IOCUSA said.
The program was attended by leaders and members representing multiple IOCUSA chapters. Praveen Singh, daughter of the late Harbachan Singh, offered floral tributes on behalf of the family.
The Chief Guests at the event, Indian Members of Parliament Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy of Telangana, and Hibi Eden of Kerala, spoke warmly of Harbachan Singh praising 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.
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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 from Sam Pitroda, Global Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, and national leader of the Congress Party 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.”
Others present at the event 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 prominent people, including social activists, and friends of IOC USA were also in attendance.
Speaking on the occasion, Gilzian 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.
Abraham 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. Condolences were extended to Harbachan Singh’s family, including his son Ramesh Singh, daughters Praveen Singh and Sukhwant Shimkaveg, and all loved ones.