One look at Tejinder Pal (TP) Singh's résumé will tell you why he needs to be taken note of. With the whole of Australia watching, Singh has, perhaps, topped all of his past achievements.
On January 25, he would be honoured as the "Australian of the Year" for his services to the Sikh community and for influencing the lives of people of all colours in a positive way. There is palpable excitement in the community. "I am waiting for the day Tejinder is felicitated. It is an honour for all of us," says Gurbax Singh Khalsa, who lives in Melbourne.
TP Singh is the founder of an organisation called, "
Food Van
". He is seen as the messiah for the homeless and the needy.
From North Darwin, he has been recognised as the Northern Territory's local hero for 2017, Khalsa says.
"Australia's Local Hero" is one of the four categories of the "Australian of the Year" awards. Gaurav Kumar from Perth: " As usual, a large number of Punjabis in Australia run taxis and have to face racist comments some times. When TP Singh came here from India in 2006, he was racially abused by a passenger in his taxi. But, Singh responded in a way that led to a gradual change in the behaviour of the people towards all turban-wearing persons."
Singh responded with calm composure and explained why turbaned Sikhs are as much a creation of God as any other human being. Only their religious faith requires them to cover their heads.
Among others, Singh found support from Northern Territory's chief minister Michael Gunner. He soon became a recognisable face who helped fellow humans.
In 2015, he was honoured as "Australian of the Day" for feeding the homeless and needy.
His philosophy behind the task was: "My religion says 10% of my income should go towards helping those in need and those who need to eat. It does not matter what religion they belong to or what country they come from."
That Singh had found admirers and followers everywhere was evident in the media tribute to him: "Neither is he a millionaire nor is he a king, but this Indian-born cabbie, working in Australia, is one of the most popular people in the city of Darwin".
The official website of the Australian of the Year writes: "Funding the feast each month from his own pocket, Tejinder attributes his generosity to his deep Sikh faith. His work has inspired three other groups to take up the cause to ute free food to the homeless on Sundays. And the hungry and thirsty come flocking when they see Tejinder's van, emblazoned with the sign 'Free Indian food for hungry and needy people'".