Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab’s first Kirat Kamayee Awards 2023: Honoring the true wealth of Punjab found in its 31 elderly citizens; View Pics + Watch Video
Babusahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 28, 2023 - Today marked a historic event as Punjab celebrated its First Kirat Kamayee Awards 2023 at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Sector 26, Chandigarh.
Under the guidance of Lt. General Kamal Jit Singh, the esteemed Guest of Honor, marked the commencement of the Kirat Kamayee Awards. Lt. General Kamal Jit Singh underscored the significance of Kirat in personal growth, emphasizing that one's stature is defined by their deeds, not their age.
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The honoree highlighted the alignment of these awards with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings, recognizing attendees as embodiments of those profound principles.
The Kirat Kamayee awards supported by Kalgidhar Trust as an award partner, attended by Col (Dr.) Rajinder Singh, an inspiring crusader at 89, who is managing three rural drug rehabilitation centers and plays a pivotal role in combating the scourge of addiction.
Click to watch Video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/MFvKRaht-0k?si=ukWIkbsCY8HDU7g-
Inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the event honored those who embodied the spirit of Kirat Kamayee, enriching the state with the blessings of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Baba Sardool Singh Ji, the oldest Awardee at the age of 114, received the prestigious Kirat Kamayee Award among the 31 recognized elders.
The Kirat Kamayee Awards aimed to recognize and honor the relentless efforts of octogenarians who contributed to society through hard work, experience, and value-based living. Kirat Kamayee, as envisioned by our seniors, is not just a virtue; it is the embodiment of Punjab's true wealth.
The Vision of Punjab, as the Akal Purakh’s own abode, is not only to care for its elderly but to spread their blessings to each member of the community.
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Panel Discussion: From Left to Right-Ms Deepika Gandhi, senior Architect ( Moderator), Baljit Balli, Editor, Babushahi Network and Dr Parminder Chawla, Senior Doctor @Fortis Hospital
Inderpreet Singh, founder of Grey Shades, expressed, "We believed that every gracious act of giving made by our elderly deserved acknowledgment and celebration. Their continuous efforts served as a testament to the fact that in their giving, lay the future that would never fail us and the generations to come.”
The Awards ceremony felicitated 31 octogenarians and recognised their families from across all three main regions of Punjab- Majha, Malwa, Doaba and Chandigarh Tricity for their exceptional contributions, proving that age was not a barrier to making a significant impact on society. They are our living heritage, a true treasure and blessing for Punjab. The awards were facilitated by Lt. Kamal Jit Singh and Col. (Dr.) Rajinder Singh along with Inderpreet Singh.
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Grey Shades has been working for six years with the mission “Generations Apart, Every Senior is a Gracious Giver” practicing ‘young for old, old for young. As the event unfolded, Grey Shades encouraged everyone to join in recognizing and honoring these true Kiratees whose Kirat Kamayee was indeed Punjab’s wealth. The event was attended by 200 plus audience in Chandigarh.
In parallel, two insightful panel discussions further enriched the event. The first panel discussion, focusing on "Inclusion of the elderly for a well-balanced India in 2050," included Baljit Balli, Founder & Editor Babushahi Network , Veteran Media personality with 43 years of experience and Dr. Parvinder Chawla, Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Mohali; moderated by Deepika Gandhi, Former Associate Professor, Chandigarh College of Architecture Former Director Le Corbusier Centre.
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The second discussion, themed "Perseverance of the elderly, the preservation of Youth," featured panelists Vineet Panchhi, Poet, Filmmaker & Founder- Jai Hind Project; Gurmeet Sangha Rai, Conservation architect, Heritage management specialist, Principal at CRCI India; Yashveer Singh, Co-Founder & Global Director, Ashoka Young Changemakers.
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Rajinder Kaur, a seasoned journalist and TV anchor, commanded the stage with her expertise as the master of ceremony for the Kirat Kamayee Awards program, infusing the event with her renowned presence.
Watch Video:
Awardees
Baba Sardool Singh:
Born in 1910 in Sandhaur, Sangrur, Baba Sardool Singh Ji, 11, learned Gurmukhi from a Local Gurdwara Granthi, becoming a Paathi for Guru Granth Sahib. Schooled in Urdu until 4th grade, he continued in Malaudh for 5th-6th. A freedom fighter, he receives a pension from the Punjab government.
Known for humility and benevolence, he played a vital role in India's independence. Under a Sikh saint's guidance, he helped establish a village college, aiding indigent children's higher education. Serving as a resource person for two years, Baba Sardool Singh Ji exemplifies philanthropy and dedication to community welfare.
Sardar Sawran Singh Virk:
Sardar Sawran Singh Virk, the esteemed principal of Baba Aya Singh Riarki College, stands as the influential patriarch of this institution. Established in 1976, the college embodies Sawran Singh Ji's dedication to fulfilling Baba Aya Singh's dream of providing education to girls. With his motto, "Each one teach one" aiming to empower tens of thousand of students predominantly female students in both school and college. Nestled in the Tuggalwala Village, District Gurdaspur, this institution with a unique approach to education with students are learners and teachers. With the help of a few teachers, the model delivers education to hundreds of students whereas the higher-class students once trained teach the junior classes.
Mrs Satwant Sangha:
Mrs. Satwant Sangha, a resilient and compassionate individual, hails from Nawanpind Sardaran in Gurdaspur district. Widowed in 1982, after the passing of her husband, the esteemed Air Force pilot Captain Gurpreet Sangha, she navigated the challenges of raising five daughters. Devoted to her husband's village, Mrs. Sangha, an educated and proactive leader, has significantly impacted the lives of its residents. Her commitment to education, healthcare, and community welfare has transformed Nawanpind Sardaran into a thriving tourism village, a testament to her enduring legacy.
S. Chand Singh
S. Chand Singh, scion of a longstanding family business in woodworking spanning three to four generations, upholds a rich tradition in the face of changing times. From barter systems to repairing bullock carts, his family perseveres as the last bastion of a fading craft. Known for his generosity and passion for preserving Punjabi heritage, Singh's ambitions extend to supporting educational initiatives, encapsulating a commitment to both tradition and community development.
Dr. HK LALL:
H.K. Lall, born on December 15, 1937, in Pak-Pattan, West Pakistan, is a distinguished Urdu scholar and educator with a Ph.D. in Urdu. Known for his devotion to Urdu language and literature, Lall has spent decades teaching Urdu through various platforms, including government initiatives and academic institutions. His prolific writings on cultural and historical figures, coupled with numerous accolades, reflect his lifelong commitment to the enrichment and propagation of Urdu. Lall's unwavering dedication earned him prestigious awards, including the Farogh-e-Adab Award and the Master Urdu Poet Rishi Patialvi Memorial Award.
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