Punjab is safe because India pours huge money for security, Pakistan will make it a playground for terrorism, drugs: Lord Rami Ranger

Lord Rami Ranger has seen unparalleled success despite serious setbacks in life. He was born two months after the assassination of his father Nanak Singh who was killed for opposing the partition of the country.

Forced to relocate to a refugee camp in Punjab after the death of her husband and the Partition of India, Lord Ranger's mother, Harbans Kaur raised eight children all alone ensuring that they reached the pinnacle of success. Being an educated woman helped her in looking after the children—a fact that has marshalled Lord Ranger towards speaking about women empowerment among the diaspora in the UK.

In an exclusive interview to India Narrative at the House of Lords, Lord Ranger does not shy away from discussing contentious issues. Made a Lord in 2019, he talks about his vision of the 'idea of India', his support for The Kashmir Files, the role of the Sikh gurus during tumultuous medieval times and the issue of Khalistan.

Excerpts from the interview:

The idea of India is debated hotly in the country. Different people describe it differently, guided by their ideologies. What is your idea of India?

Lord Ranger: India is an ancient civilisation. It was known as sone ki chidiya (the golden bird) and this was the reason that invaders were attracted to it. India was far ahead in education, science and technology, astronomy, architecture and learning. The invaders were not as advanced as India was but were barbaric. They came to India to only loot and destroy.

For one thousand years this civilisation has borne the brunt of foreign occupation.

The idea of India is now going to emerge—with unity of the country. For me the idea of India is to spread the Indian values of respect and tolerance. The ancient civilisation of India will flourish and will enrich humanity in a positive manner.

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