US honour for Chaar Sahibzaade creator Harry Baweja

AMRITSAR: US-based Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (GGSF) has honoured Harry Baweja, director of famous animation film 'Chaar Sahibzaade', depicting the life story and ultimate martyrdom of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh in 1704. Released last year, the film became an instant commercial success, both in India and overseas.
The movie depicting the story of Guru's family was universally accepted by community members young and old.In the weeks following the release, there were reports of people flocking to the theaters along with their families and gurdwaras booking theaters for their congregations to watch the film together. In media interviews, Baweja had said that it took him five years to make the film and was released after getting a stamp of approval from Sikh scholars and religious leaders.
Besides Baweja, GGSF also honoured US attorney general Eric Holder at the US Department of Justice on April 20 for his role in providing support and security to American Sikhs in the aftermath of the Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting in 2012. Third honouree for the year was father-daughter duo of Sarbpreet Singh and Mehr Kaur for their play 'Kultar's Mime' based on the anti-Sikh pogrom of 1984.
"For the last 25 years, the Foundation has been honouring people/organizations working for the betterment of the Sikh community worldwide. All the three honourees this year-Eric Holder, Harry Baweja and Sarbpreet/Mehr-have contributed to Sikh life," executive GGSF director Rani Kaur Sawhney said while talking to TOI on Tuesday.
Rajwant Singh, secretary of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, said, "'Chaar Sahibzaade' is a major achievement for Harry Baweja and has also rekindled the interest of Sikh youth in the history of their ancestors. It has become an important resource for Sikh kids throughout the world and a necessary tool for camps and Sikh youth workshops. As a community, we are indebted to Baweja's effort."