While comedian Jaspreet Singh has shown his contempt for Kerala and its people, sparking outrage from Malayalis, there is a Sardarji in Kerala who has taken Kerala to his heart, openly admitting that he loves being a Malayali.
Surendar Pal Singh, 64, who lives with his family comprising wife and two children, has made Kochi his home after falling in love with the culture and warmth of the Keralites. He came to Kochi along with his father in 1973 after his father got a posting in the Southern Naval Command headquartered in Kochi.
“When my father retired from service, we decided to settle in Kochi because we all were in love with the people here. We made Kochi our home,” said Surendar Pal Singh, who runs a restaurant in Kochi.
For him, Kerala is truly a home that has given him safety and affection. “I am all praise for Kerala because of its high literacy rate and communal harmony. When Sikhs were targeted during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, my family and I felt safe in Kerala. We are really grateful to the people of Kerala,” he said.
Surendar Pal Singh loves to be called “Mallu Singh” because of his deep-rooted connection with Kerala.
He is also not afraid to openly admit the progressiveness of Kerala state compared to Punjab. “Just look at the Malayalam cinemas which are far ahead of Punjabi cinemas. Kerala has made big strides in social and health sectors. When my friends and relatives in Punjab tell me that I have become more of a Malayali, I feel proud,” he added.
