Chandigarh: Darshan Singh Sachdev, a second-generation Indian-origin Sikh from Thailand, who also goes by his Thai name Sakda Sachamitr, is known for his unwavering devotion to the Thai royal family.
With great pride, he holds pictures of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana during royal functions or public events involving the royal family. He often spends hours waiting outside venues where the Thai public gathers to pay their respects, attracting attention due to his distinctive turban.
Darshan explained that his deep respect for the royal family is rooted in his heart, and he credits the blessings of Baba Ji for this connection. He shared that, in the past, he showed similar reverence to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the beloved ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty, who was revered as the "Father of the Nation." Now, with Baba Ji’s blessings, he feels privileged to extend the same respect to King Rama X.
Darshan's roots trace back to his grandfather, Daulat Singh, who migrated from Ugoki town in the Sialkot district of Pakistan to Thailand, where Darshan's father, Harinder Singh Sachdev, was born. Darshan himself was born in 1949 in Yala, a city in southern Thailand.
Reflecting on the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 2016, Darshan recalled that he was one of the many Thai nationals who mourned the loss of their beloved monarch. He remembered a photo of him, tearfully holding a portrait of the late King and praying, which went viral on social media. “The Thai government selected 9 photos out of 50,000 documenting the mourning of Rama IX, and I was honored to be one of the 11 individuals recognized,” he said.
Professionally, Darshan Singh is a businessman. He is married to Nirmaljit Kaur, and together they lovingly care for their daughter, Lakshmi Kaur, who has special needs.
In a recent royal event, Darshan was present when Their Majesties the King and Queen inaugurated the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) standardized botanic garden, along with a garden named “From Mountain to River” at Queen Sirikit Park in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Darshan brought along photos of the King and Queen to further express his loyalty and respect for the royal family, whom he views as pillars of national unity and stability.