Badal (Muktsar): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal pledged to steadfastly adhere to the principles laid down by the late former chief minister and his father Parkash Singh Badal and affirmed his unwavering commitment to protecting communal harmony in Punjab. His remarks came during a tribute ceremony held on Friday in the ancestral village of Badal, marking the second death anniversary of the five-time CM, who passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96.
Reminiscing about his father’s legacy, Sukhbir emphasised that the veteran leader never engaged in divisive politics based on religious differences. He underscored Parkash Singh Badal’s dedication to the holistic development of all sections of Punjab’s society, asserting that his leadership qualities are particularly relevant in the current climate. The SAD president reiterated the party’s resolve to follow in his father’s footsteps and declared his readiness to make any sacrifice necessary to prevent any disruption to communal harmony in the state.
Sukhbir announced that the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) had approved the establishment of a skill centre in Badal village. He stated that the SAD would donate the land for this initiative, which will be only the second such centre in the nation, the first being in Bhubaneswar. An NSDC adviser formally presented the approval letter to Sukhbir, revealing that the “Parkash Singh Badal Skill India Centre” is projected to provide specialised training to 2,000 students annually.
Senior SAD leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder shared anecdotes from his long association with Parkash Singh Badal, highlighting the former CM’s struggles and sacrifices for the welfare of the people. He recounted an instance where Parkash Singh Badal risked his govt to save Bandi Singh Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana from execution.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami urged the gathering to draw inspiration from Parkash Singh Badal’s life, emphasising his inclusive approach to progress. The acting jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, enumerated Parkash Singh Badal’s significant contributions to the Sikh community, including the establishment of Sikh memorials and the commemoration of important centenaries. He called upon the Sikh community to adhere to the teachings of the Guru Sahibs, unite against anti-Panthic elements, and identify internal adversaries seeking to harm the Sikh Panth and its institutions.
Member of Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Daljit Singh Cheema, and other prominent leaders also addressed the assembled mourners.
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