Darshan Singh Sachdev, a second-generation Indian-origin, turban-wearing Thai Sikh, also known by his Thai name Sakda Sachamitr, consistently expresses his deep love and respect for the royal family.
He does so by holding pictures of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana during royal functions or their visits. He patiently waits outside venues for hours, where Thai people gather to show their respect, and often becomes the center of attention due to his distinctive turban.
Darshan shared that his love and respect for the royal family come from the depths of his heart, with the blessings of Baba Ji. He mentioned that, in the past, he demonstrated his reverence for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the revered ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty, who was regarded as the “Father of the Nation.” Now, under Baba Ji’s divine blessings, he feels honored to extend the same profound respect and admiration to King Rama X.
Darshan Singh’s grandfather, Daulat Singh, a resident of Ugoki town in the Sialkot district of Pakistan, migrated to Thailand, where his father, Harinder Singh Sachdev, was born. Later, in 1949, Darshan Singh Sachdev was born in Yala city in southern Thailand.
Recalling the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 2016, Darshan shared that he was among the many Thai nationals who joined in mourning the loss of their beloved King. He mentioned that a photo of him, with teary eyes holding the portrait of the King and praying, went viral on social media. “The Thai government selected 9 photographs out of 50000, capturing the mourning of Rama IX, and I was honored to be among the 11 people recognized,” he said.
A businessman by profession, Darshan Singh is married to Nirmaljit Kaur, and together, they lovingly care for their daughter, Lakshmi Kaur, who has special needs.
He also mentioned that, in the recent past, Their Majesties the King and Queen opened the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) standardized botanic garden and a garden named “From Mountain to River” at Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
He went there carrying photos of Their Majesties, the King and Queen, to demonstrate his loyalty and respect for the royal family, as they are viewed as symbols of national unity and stability.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
