Param Singh MBE, an engineer and founder of City Sikhs, has been admitted to the Freedom of the City of London, one of the capital’s oldest civic traditions dating back more than 800 years.
Singh was nominated for the Freedom by Dhruv Patel CBE, businessman, founder of the City Hindus Network and Liveryman of The Clothworkers’ Company. Patel has long been involved in initiatives that strengthen civic engagement and dialogue across London’s diverse professional and faith communities.
The creation of City Sikhs followed the earlier example of City Hindus, reflecting efforts to build professional networks bringing together people of different faith backgrounds working in the City of London. The recognition also reflects the growing contribution of British Asian professionals to the civic and commercial life of the City of London.
The ceremony took place at Guildhall, the historic centre of the City of London’s civic institutions.
The Freedom of the City of London symbolises a connection to the traditions and institutions of the City and continues to be granted to individuals from a wide range of professional and community backgrounds.
Professionally, Singh works in global programme and project leadership across data, artificial intelligence and organisational systems for a Fortune 500 organisation. Alongside his corporate career, he has contributed to a number of professional and community initiatives focused on mentoring, leadership development and strengthening connections across professional and civic communities.
He was previously recognised with an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion, reflecting his work supporting initiatives that encourage mentoring, leadership development and community engagement.
Engineering also runs across three generations of Singh’s family, with his grandfather beginning mechanical engineering studies in the United Kingdom in 1926 and his father also working as a mechanical engineer.
Speaking following the ceremony, Singh said:
“It is a great honour to be admitted to the Freedom of the City of London. For nearly two thousand years, since the days of Roman Londinium, people from many backgrounds have come to this City to trade, work and contribute to civic life. That tradition continues today, with London recognised as one of the most faith-literate and welcoming places in the world to do business.
Param Singh MBE with Dhruv Patel CBE following the Freedom of the City of London ceremony at Guildhall.
Param Singh MBE with Laura Miller, Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court, and Beadle Theo Loizou at Guildhall.