The one aspect of humanity that makes Auckland District Court Judge Dr Ajit Swaran Singh stand out from others is that one must not just live for themselves. And it is values such as these that have driven him to the pinnacle of success in life, and have also been the motivation in his bid to help others.
So it was no surprise to many last week when Dr Singh was inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame, beating more than 35 other nominees for the honour into the prestigious institution now in its second year.
Dr Singh, 62, son of a sugar came farmer in Labasa, Fiji, was bestowed with the Hall of Fame honour at a gala function attended by the cream of New Zealand’s officialdom and community leaders and families. Prime Minister John Key was chief guest at the function at Auckland’s five-star Pullman Hotel, along with MPs Todd McClay, Winston Peters, Phil Goff, David Shearer, Rajen Prasad and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi.
“One just can’t live for themselves,” a humble Dr Singh told the Indian Weekender after the event.
“One has to contribute to society to be able to be a good citizen of the country, and at the same time reaching out to your roots and making sure that the future generation is left in good stead,”
Dr Singh said.
The soft-spoken Aucklander, born and raised in Fiji and educated in Fiji, New Zealand and Canada, said education was the most important aspect in life that could guide an individual in life.
“For a good society to evolve, a good education is so vital,” said Dr Singh, who himself has been a pioneering educator who has been instrumental in the setting up of Law School at the University of Fiji – all for free on his part.
And he has also been providing on a regular basis – also free of charge – almost 60 to 70 per cent of the books which now occupy the library at the Law Schools in Lautoka and Suva.
So how does a busy Auckland District Court judge find time to provide his services to the students in his country of birth?
“I use up my annual leave and on occasions have used sabbatical leave to spend more time at the University of Fiji.
“There is great satisfaction in helping people through education,” said Dr Singh, who is also a Visiting Professor at the Law School providing lectures for the law students in Lautoka and Suva.
“The Lautoka facility is just great and it is so satisfying to see that parents who would hesitate to send their girls to Suva to study are using this facility.”
The values of education were instilled into the young Ajit Singh at an early age when he was growing up on his father’s sugar cane farm at Wailevu, Labasa. While dad Swaran Singh was also involved in politics as president of the local branch of the National Federation Party, Ajit Singh has always steered clear of it.
Young Ajit Singh grew up in three homes around Labasa – his father’s, his uncle Lashkar Singh’s (businessman and local councilor) and another uncle Sarwan Singh, a lawyer.
It was at Uncle Sarwan’s that young Ajit spent a lot of time after school and at weekends preparing documents and files.
“That experience stayed with me and has been the inspiration in me going for law studies,” Dr Singh said.
It was also quite early that Ajit Singh decided that politics was not for him, but law certainly was.
“It’s best to be good at what you and to concentrate on that. You can’t do too many things at once.”
Dr Singh is a product of Labasa Secondary School, from 1966 to 1069, and later moved to New Zealand to do Law studies at Victoria University in Wellington. After several years in various law firms in Fiji and New Zealand, Dr Singh then completed his PhD in Canada on a scholarship. His thesis: The Lome Convention.
In 2002, he was appointed judge in Manukau District Court, and 10 years later transferred to Auckland District Court.
His advice to the youth of today:
“Value yourself to be of value to others. Be proud fof who you are so that you can be good New Zealand citizens and at the same time acknowledge your roots.
“The world needs youth leaders today, and the youth of today need to take up leadership roles in society. One needs to contribute to society; you can’t just live for yourself.”
Dr Singh, married to Subhag for 41 years, has three children Anjet, Amit and Shobita. Mum Pritam Kaur also lives in Auckland.
SIDE STORY
Dr Singh is also a White Ribbon Ambassador, which is a campaign by men against violence on women. He delivers his message on Family Violence & Mental Health issues at various conferences, seminars and through radio interviews.
Awards:
He has been recognised with awards by various community organizations for his contributions to community projects, law and education, both in New Zealand and abroad.
In January 2008, he was a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest civilian Award bestowed on PIOs/NRIs, presented by the President of India, Srimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
In January 2010, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Hon Vayalar Ravi, presented him with the India Empire Award, in New Delhi: In recognition of Dr Ajit Swaran Singh's "community leadership in the Asia Pacific region".
In January 2012, he was honoured with 4 Awards in New Delhi:
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NRI Institute: Bharat Samman Award 2011 - For Outstanding Contribution in Law Justice & Education
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Global Punjabi Society: GPS Award 2011 - For Fairness, Justice & Community Leadership
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India International Friendship Society: Glory of India Award & Certificate of Excellence For Meritorious Services, Outstanding Performance & Remarkable Role
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Global Indian Association: GIA International Excellence Award 2012
For Remarkable Contribution & Excellence in Justice & Law
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In June 2012, Dr Singh was the recipient of the Bharat Gaurav Award in New York.
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In October 2012, at the House of Lords in London, Dr Singh was the recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Samman Award.
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In October 2013, at the House of Lords in London, Dr Singh was the recipient of the Pravasi Rattan Award.
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In January 2014, at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Dr Singh was the recipient of the Global Visionary Award presented by the Vision Foundation.
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In New Zealand, Judge Singh has been the recipient of numerous community Awards.