Sikh man honoured by University of Bradford

The University of Bradford has awarded Nirmal Singh MBE (pictured above) an Honorary doctorate for his “significant commitment to the communities in Bradford and to the University.” 

Singh was sent by his family in 1967 from the family farm in India to Manchester, England, to work and send money back home to support his loved ones. At 15 years old, Singh arrived at Heathrow Airport but missed his connecting flight to Manchester and had to stay overnight in London. To his luck, a Sikh taxi driver offered Nirmal a bed to sleep in. 

The next day, Singh returned to the airport and travelled to Manchester, reuniting with family who lived there. Nirmal then began working in Bradford’s textiles trade, creating duvets. 

After his boss’s death, Nirmal decided to purchase a sewing machine. With the aid of his wife, Harmesh Kaur, he took over the business and renamed it “Nirmal Razai Mart Company Ltd.” 

Singh began using his profits to buy and renovate small, rundown properties as his business grew. His venture has now grown into Nirmal Sekhon Group, a successful property development empire across West Yorkshire. It has completed almost 2,000 apartments in construction. 

Nirmal Sekhon Group also created the Sekhon Community Housing project, which aimed to aid vulnerable people who need accommodation within the affordable housing sector. 

In 1999, Nirmal was awarded an MBE for services to community relations in Bradford. He was one of the founders of the Yorkshire Sikh Forum, which involves networking with figures like MPs, police, and other faith groups to help bring communities together. 

Singh said: “The achievements in my business life have been beyond my imagination, but I achieved my objectives with honesty and integrity, of which I am very proud. 

“Bradford is my home and is the source of my inspiration, as I have lived here since my arrival to Great Britain in 1967. Irrespective of where you are from, the city has welcomed me, and I feel ambassadorial on behalf of the town, having represented it regionally, nationally and internationally. 

“Anyone can achieve great accolades and heights, according to their positive visualisations, keeping a clean heart, and working hard.” 

When asked about his honorary doctorate, Singh said: “I feel honoured to be recognised for this doctorate. It is always a pleasure to be recognised for the work that I have carried out over the last 52 years, irrespective of colour, creed or race. 

Finally, Singh offered some advice to his fellow University of Bradford graduates: “Enjoy your work and be passionate about it, and you will succeed in everything you do. 

“Visualise good things, and do not fear to help another fellow human being. 

“Don’t follow money; chase passion and enjoyment in the work that you carry out; money will follow you thereafter.”