Tributes paid to former Sikh mayor in Britain

Authorities of Hounslow town in England paid tributes to former mayor Sardar Sham Singh Jassar, who worked as a civil servant for more than 30 years.

Jassar, who died on Saturday at age 77, was mayor in 1990-91 and was a Labour councillor for Hounslow Central ward from 1986 to 2006, getwestlondon.co.uk news web site reported on Wednesday.

He was born in Dewatwal Village in Ludhiana. Overcoming poverty, he obtained a Masters degree in economics.

After a brief spell of teaching in India, he migrated to Britain in 1968.

In 1991, he was conferred the "Freedom of the City of London" honour for his tireless charity work in Britain and other countries.

"Freedom of the City of London" is an award given by the local government in a town or city to those who have served in some exceptional capacity.

He also won Hind Rattan Award in 2004 and the Glory of India award in 2006.

Jassar is survived by his wife and four children.

"Our father was a very spiritual person who wrote poetry and enjoyed discussing religion and philosophy. He was an honest and hard working family man," Jet Jassar, his daughter, was quoted as saying.