AMRITSAR DECEMBER 05: Patron of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal was today bestowed upon the title of ‘Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam’ from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in recognition of his outstanding contribution and glorious services rendered by him during his long Panthic and political career.
After the Ardas Ceremony during a religious congregation, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh along with Jathedar of Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Patna Sahib Giani Iqbal Singh and Vice Jathedar of Takhat Sri Hazoor Sahib Nanded Sahib Giani Jotinder Singh and Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib Giani Jaswinder Singh honored Sardar Badal with Siropa (robe of honor), a Sword and a Silver Plaque with inscription of the citation of ‘Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam’ amidst the slogans of ‘Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal’. Sardar Badal was accompanied by his son President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.
On the occasion, in his address Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh said that the tradition to honor the revered personalities by the Sikh Panth from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was in vogue since time immemorial.
Lauding the glorious services rendered by Sardar Badal for the preservation of Sikh heritage by erecting memorials of Sikh martyrs besides being imprisoned for long time and having faced atrocities during various Akali Movements (morchas), Giani Gurbachan Singh underlined that the responsibilities of any person, who had been honored by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, are added manifold.
The citation read as, “Patron of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, who presented before Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, has been conferred with Siropa, the title of “Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam in appreciation of his supreme services during his long panthic and political life. May God shower His blessings on Sardar Parkash Singh to enable him to lead a blissful life in the service of Sikh Panth”.
Meanwhile, the heads and representatives of various Sikh Institutions, Religious and Nihang Singh Organizations also honored Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam Parkash Singh Badal by offering Siropas for this rare feat towards his unparalleled services for the welfare of Sikh community.
People from different walks of life attended the ceremony including the senior Cabinet Ministers Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Mr. Inderbir Singh Bularia & Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur (both CPs). Besides SGPC President Mr. Avtar Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala (all MPs), President Youth Akali Dal & former Singh Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, former SGPC Chief Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, SAD General Secretary Mr.Prem Singh Chandumajra, Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, senior leaders & workers of Shiromani Akali Dal, Members of SGPC, prominent Sikh scholars, Intellectuals and academicians were also present on the occasion.
