4 World War II veterans from Sikh regiment receive Punjab Ratan award in UK
PTI | Oct 19, 2013, 05.35 AM IST
LONDON: Four World War II veterans from the Sikh regiment have been presented with the 'Jewel of Punjab' (Punjab Ratan) award at the World Punjabi Organization's annual event.
Britain's secretary of state for community (welfare) Eric Pickles presented the coveted awards to 100-year-old Samitter Singh, 93-year-old Gulzara Singh, 92-year-old Rajinder Singh Dutt and 89-year-old Mukhtiar Singh Rai last night for their patriotism and dedicated service during the World War II. A charitable services award was presented to APS Chawla, founder chairman of the Roko Cancer, for raising awareness on breast cancer. His award was collected by his brother. Also, a cheque for 2,000 pounds was presented to Gurpal S Oppal, who ran the London Marathon to raise funds for bowel cancer charity.
Those present at the award ceremony included Lord Andrew Feldman, chairman, Conservative Party; Lord Navnit Dholakia, deputy leader of Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords; minister Shailesh Vara, judge Mota Singh, Lord Diljit Rana, Lord Raj Loomba and Lord Indarjit Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, WPO president (European division) R S Baxi referred to his visit to the Imperial War Museum to attend a reception where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Kate were present.
He said he was proud to see the Lord Ashcroft Gallery housing the Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, with the largest collection of Victoria Crosses.
"A lot more needs to be done to restore the legacy of our fallen heroes as we prepare to commemorate in 2014, 100 years since the outbreak of the first World War. The visit certainly brought heroic memories of sacrifices, patriotism and dedication of the Sikh warriors and the British soldiers who fought together for a better and safer today," he said.
4 World War II veterans from Sikh regiment receive Punjab Ratan award in UK - The Times of India
PTI | Oct 19, 2013, 05.35 AM IST
LONDON: Four World War II veterans from the Sikh regiment have been presented with the 'Jewel of Punjab' (Punjab Ratan) award at the World Punjabi Organization's annual event.
Britain's secretary of state for community (welfare) Eric Pickles presented the coveted awards to 100-year-old Samitter Singh, 93-year-old Gulzara Singh, 92-year-old Rajinder Singh Dutt and 89-year-old Mukhtiar Singh Rai last night for their patriotism and dedicated service during the World War II. A charitable services award was presented to APS Chawla, founder chairman of the Roko Cancer, for raising awareness on breast cancer. His award was collected by his brother. Also, a cheque for 2,000 pounds was presented to Gurpal S Oppal, who ran the London Marathon to raise funds for bowel cancer charity.
Those present at the award ceremony included Lord Andrew Feldman, chairman, Conservative Party; Lord Navnit Dholakia, deputy leader of Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords; minister Shailesh Vara, judge Mota Singh, Lord Diljit Rana, Lord Raj Loomba and Lord Indarjit Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, WPO president (European division) R S Baxi referred to his visit to the Imperial War Museum to attend a reception where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Kate were present.
He said he was proud to see the Lord Ashcroft Gallery housing the Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, with the largest collection of Victoria Crosses.
"A lot more needs to be done to restore the legacy of our fallen heroes as we prepare to commemorate in 2014, 100 years since the outbreak of the first World War. The visit certainly brought heroic memories of sacrifices, patriotism and dedication of the Sikh warriors and the British soldiers who fought together for a better and safer today," he said.
4 World War II veterans from Sikh regiment receive Punjab Ratan award in UK - The Times of India
