Personalities that have contributed to the promotion of Sikhism were honoured by SEWA (Social Educational Welfare Association) on December 24, 2013 at an International Conference held at International Fateh Academy, Jandiala Guru, Amritsar.
According to SEWA, Five ‘Singh Sahiban’ graced the occasion with their presence and honoured personalities of Sikh Faith with Awards.
According to SEWA, the aim of the conference was to recognize those personalities that are making an effort in different spheres not only to revive the honour but to spread Sikhism throughout the world. The Conference was an attempt by ‘SEWA’ a non-profit registered Society. The president of ‘SEWA’ S.Jagbir Singh, Chairman, and IFA shared that the Sikh of the Year Award was initiated in the year 2011. This time the awards are being given in different categories for which nominations were sought from the ‘Sikh Sangat’ through messages and e-mail. A survey was carried out of the nominations and 10 Gursikhs were finally selected for Awards which will be given every year. The personalities honoured with Awards were:
S. Jagmeet Singh MPP Canada was honoured with the ‘ Sikh of the Year Award’ for his contribution for the protection of Human Rights and presenting Sikh Personality at Provincial Parliament. SEWA said, Jagmeet Singh has not been given the visa from Indian Govt. to come and receive this award in Amritsar. He received this award through Video Conferencing during the ceremony and in his speech he dedicated his award to Bhai Gurbakhsh Singh Khalsa, the human rights activist.
Dr. Rajwant Singh of USA was honoured with the ‘Sikh of the Decade Award’ for his endeavour to create awareness regarding the conservation and preservation of environment, promoting Sikhism at and celebrating Sikh Gurupurabs in White House, USA.
Dr. Raghbir Singh Bains of Khadoor Sahib was honoured with ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for authoring the ‘Multimedia Encyclopedia of Sikhism’ a valuable contribution to the Sikh Faith.
Bhai Davinder Singh Khannewale and Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala (Hazoori Ragi Sri Darbar Sahib) with the Bhalo Bhalo Re Kirtaniye Award.
S. Jarnail Singh of Delhi and S. Raja Singh of Jalandhar were recognized for their contribution to promotion of Sikhism, Service to the Faith and protection of Human Rights with the ‘Dedicated Sikh Award’.
S.Satdeep Singh of Delhi was recognized for his creativity in producing animation films relating to Sikhism with the ‘Creative Sikh Award’.
According to SEWA, the Awards will be a regular feature recognizing personalities of Sikh Faith for their contribution in upholding the honour and promotion of Sikhism.