JAMMU, Jun 20: Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial Trust (J&K) organized a multilingual “Kavi Darbar” to commemorate the Shaheedi Diwas of the great Sikh warrior and martyr Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji, with poets, scholars and prominent citizens paying rich tributes to the legendary son of the soil through poetry and literary expressions.
The programme was dedicated to recalling the life, sacrifices and historic contributions of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, who was born in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and emerged as one of the most revered figures in Sikh history.
The event was presided over by the 10th Gaddi Nasheen of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, His Holiness Baba Jatinder Paul Sodhi Ji, who shared his thoughts on the life and legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur through poetry. Renowned Sikh scholar Prof. Harsimran Singh also addressed the gathering and highlighted the courage, leadership and sacrifices of the great warrior saint.
Dr. Abhijeet Singh Jasrotia, Chief Spokesperson BJP J&K, attended the function as the Chief Guest, while S. Balwinder Singh, RTI Vice President, DGPC Jammu, and noted educationist Dr. Manmeet Singh were the Guests of Honour. People from different communities, castes, creeds and religions participated in the programme and paid homage to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, reflecting his universal appeal and enduring legacy.
The literary event featured recitations by several renowned poets, including Davinder Singh Vishav Nagrik, Star Singh, Simranjit Kour, Ashok Paras, Manmohan Narala, Adv. Dheeraj Bismal, Jagjot Singh Jashan, Ajmeet Singh and S. Jatinder Singh Raina, among others. Through their poems, the poets highlighted the bravery, sacrifice and inspirational life of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Satwant Singh, Chairman of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial Trust, who emphasized the need to preserve and promote the rich historical legacy of the great martyr. The vote of thanks was presented by S. Harpreet Singh, President of the Trust.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by S. Manjeet Singh Azaad, Former Advisor and Member of the National Commission for Minorities, Government of India.
Among those present on the occasion were Jagjyot Singh, Balmeet Singh, Kuldeep Singh Prince, Pavneet Kour, Paramveer Singh, B.D. Gupta, Anil Gupta, Jasmeet Singh, Jasmehar Singh Chowhala, Tejinder Singh Rinkle, Raghuvir Singh Randhawa, Adv. Amrik Singh, Ranthir Singh and Jagjeet Singh.
The programme concluded with a collective resolve to continue spreading awareness about the life, values and sacrifices of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur among future generations.