Ravjeet Singh receiving his award from MP Sharma
London (KP) – On Tuesday 1st April 2008, the Panjabis In Britain All Parliamentary Group held its annual Vaisakhi Celebration & Panjabi Cultural Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons, where MP John McDonnell, Mr. Iqbal Singh (MP John McDonnell’s Researcher), MP Virendra Sharma, and former MP Dennis Turner, Lord Bilston, presented the awards. This year the APPG celebrated Vaisakhi by highlighting the contribution individuals and organisations have made to the promotion of Panjabi Culture in Britain including arts, music, history, drama, poetry, literature, language, sports, media and to the understanding of the Panjabi culture in general.
Bhai Ravjeet Singh, 22 years old, from British Organisation of Sikh Students (B.O.S.S.), received an award at the House of Commons for his contribution to the promotion of Panjabi & Sikh history. Through his voluntary work he has co-ordinated and organised events and talks in universities, colleges and Gurdwara camps which have created awareness and understanding of the history of the Panjab and Sikh religion.
Others to receive awards included Bhai Gurbachan Singh Sidhu from Nottingham for his literary contribution to the Panjabi community. He has written countless books on Panjabi culture, Panjabi language, Sikh religion, and comparative studies with the Sikh religion and other religions. Now retired, Bhai Gurbachan Singh has dedicated his time doing seva with a local Sikh charity group in Nottingham who hold eye camps and other types of health seva for unprivileged and poor people in Panjab, India.
Manvir Singh, Gurbachan Singh Sidhu, Ravjeet Singh
Manvir Singh, Iqbal Singh, Ravjeet Singh
Raagi Bhai Sital Singh Sitara, who promoted and shared Gurmat Sangeet and his musical talents with hundreds of children and adults during his life was recognised for his contribution to music and Panjabi culture. Despite losing his eyesight at the age of three years old, he has become a talented musician.
Sital Singh Sitara receiving Award from Lord Bilston
MP John McDonnell, Ravjeet Singh, Manvir Singh, Bhupinder Singh (Ravjeet Singh's father)
In total, the parliamentary group awarded ten individuals from across the UK. It is great to know that the government recognises the contribution and vital roles individuals and organisations are making for the betterment of local communities.
