|
Don’t let Kapur Singh’s work
fade away
Sirdar Kapur Singh birth centennial birthday celebrations held with
grandeur
Zafar Zang Singh
 CHANDIGARH:
At a glittering ceremony with balloons and band, in the presence of
who’s who of the Sikh academic world from across the state, with the
strenuous efforts of author and photo-journalist Jaiteg Singh Anant
and his colleagues of the Hardarshan International Memorial Trust,
the year long centennial birthday celebrations of the illustrious
Sikh scholar and leader of the twentieth century –Bhai Sahib Sirdar
Kapur Singh got off to a wonderful start at the Government Art
Museum auditorium at a function which saw the release of two books
and speeches by eminent Sikh personalities, who have had the
privilege of associating with the literary giant and the Herculean
philosopher.
Former Akali
leader and presently governor of Tamil Nadu, Surjit Singh Barnala,
who was the chief guest, while speaking about Kapur Singh dwelt on
his courageous personality. He reminded the audience that, while
campaigning in Samrala, Kapur Singh did not mince words and told the
audience, “Those who trim their beards and cut their hair, please do
not vote for me, I do not need your votes.” Surjit Singh Barnala
said, “Would any one have the courage to say that today?” Releasing
the books, Surjit Singh Barnala said that the publication of the
books was a real tribute to the eminent personality.
Sharing his
association with the gathering, Sardar Barnala said that “Kapur
Singh maintained a tradition of excellence in the realms of
administration, academics, literature, philosophy, social,
religious, political and myriad traits and thus emerged stronger
despite being in the thick of controversies. He was a pillar of
self-esteem and proved his mettle even while in the Indian Civil
Service. Sadly, the community failed to recognize his
contribution.”
 Rajya
Sabha Member Parliament Tirlochan Singh urged the gathering to
eulogise the qualities of the great scholar and Bibi Gursharan Kaur,
the chairperson of the Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji Trust, applauded
Jaiteg Singh for his endeavour to reminisce the contribution of
Sirdar Kapur Singh.
Two books edited
by Canada based journalist and writer, Jaiteg Sing Anant, namely
“Sirdar” –a collection of tributes and Panchnaad –a collection of
the selected writings of Sirdar Kapur Singh were released on the
occasion.
Prof. Jagdish
Singh elaborated on the philosophy of the late Sirdar and urged the
youth to follow the work of Bhai Sahib for a better understanding of
Sikh religion and politics.
A number of
intellectuals, scholars, writers, thinkers and representatives of
various Sikh organizations graced the function with their presence.
On this
occasion, Hardarshan International Memorial Trust also remembered
various freedom fighters, Sikh martyrs and distinguished writers,
artists, thinkers and poets by giving up certain memorial awards and
in this context, 11 dignitaries were honored which included Prof
Avtar Singh Phagwara who received Bhai Sahib Sirdar Kapur Singh
Memorial Award, Prof Kirpal Singh Kasel, Patiala who received Baba
Ram Singh Award. Tarlochan Singh, M.P. was honoured with Shahid Bhai
Mathra Singh Award. Bibi Harsharan Kaur, Chairperson was bestowed
with the Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Award and Paramvir Singh,
Amargarh received Prof Puran Singh Award. Among the other
personalities who were honoured included Dr. Kiranjot Kaur,
granddaughter of Panth Rattan Master Tara Singh ji , Jathedar Sohan
Singh, grandson of Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman, Ashwani Verma,
Tanda, Nihal Singh Ottawa, and Tarlochan Singh Dupalpur, California,
America.
Among others,
Dr. Man Singh Nirankari, Anurag Singh, Jaswant Singh Mann, Bhai
Ashok Singh Baghria, Gurratanpal Singh, Dr. Madanjit Kaur and Bhai
Daljit Singh also graced the occasion.
Shiromani writer
Dr. Darshan Singh Asht conducted the Seminar in chaste Punjabi which
was admired by the audience. Concluding the function, Jaiteg Singh
apprised the gathering that he would continue year long activities
to inspire the youth to follow the works of Sirdar Kapur Singh. He
said there will be seminars and conventions in the coming weeks and
months. On 21st March, there will be a Seminar in Patiala
and on 4th April in Ludhiana. There will be birthday
celebrations in
Surrey,
Vancouver in the month of July, one in
Ottawa in
August, and another one in September in
Toronto,
followed by an international Seminar in
Lahore
at Nankana Sahib, culminating with a convention in
Calcutta
in December this year.
The dignitaries
sought the establishment of Sirdar Kapur Singh Chair in any of the
universities of Punjab, the inclusion of the writings of Sirdar
Kapur Singh in various Syllabi at School and college level, setting
up of scholarships in the name of the great scholar and the opening
up a Civil Services Academy and a College of Fine Arts in the name
of the stalwart.
11 March 2009
|
Read Also