Time to celebrate: Celebrating 70 years of India’s independence and the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, businessmen from Punjab got together to celebrate the achievements by their community. Hosted by Vikramjit Singh Sahney, international president, World
Punjabi
Organisation (WPO), the event felicitated Punjabis from various fields.
(BCCL)
No punjabi celebrations without few bhangra steps! (BCCL/ Samik Sen)
'Achieved a lot through hard work': The chief guest at the event was former prime minister Dr
Manmohan Singh. Talking about the efforts of the Punjabi community, he said, "After Partition, not many Punjabis asked for help from the state or the government. We have established our own place in the world, and that has been possible only through hard work."
<p><br>BCCL)</p>
Ashwini Kumar and
MS Bitta
(BCCL/ Samik Sen)
All for courage and honesty: Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa
, who was also present, said, "Punjabis are known for their courage, honesty and hard work. They never shy away from any task given to them, and being from the
Air Force, I have personally faced many challenges and have overcome them." While addressing the audience, he also spoke about the contribution of Punjabi soldiers to the armed forces.
(L) Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa and RS Jaura (BCCL/ Samik Sen)
‘Pagdi walas’ around the world: Former MP Tarlochan Singh said, "Punjabis only seek respect. Following in Manmohan Singh’s footsteps, now, a pagdi wala is Canada’s defence minister. There are pagdi walas in London’s House of Commons as well." Also present at the event were SS Kandhari, RS Jaura, MS Bitta and Rajesh Satija, among others. The evening concluded with dance performances and a dinner.
(L)Surender Singh Kandhari and Tarlochan Singh (BCCL/ Samik Sen)
--Richa.Sharma1@timesgroup.com