Britain's Indian community has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to confer Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, on Master Tara Singh for his contributions to the Sikh community and the country.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister here before his departure for Ankara yesterday, Lord Ranbir Singh Suri, who initiated the move, said: "We believe that it is time that India recognises this Indian patriot who dedicated his life for the community and country. Master Tara Singh showed remarkable courage and leadership in the freedom struggle.
"Mohammad Ali Jinnah offered him an independent Sikh state within Pakistan; however he declined his offer and thus brought the present Punjab, Himachal and Haryana within the Indian fold."
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The memorandum said: "This will recognise this outstanding statesman'scontribution to the unity of India. We hope that you will consider our appeal sympathetically."
The memorandum recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee recognised Masterji's love for India by installing his portrait in the Lok Sabha as well as his statue in the Parliament complex.
The memorandum was signed among others by Lord DaljitRana MBE and Lord Meghnad Desai.
