The series of events dedicated to the 34th death anniversary of Bhagat Puran Singh Ji, the founder of the Pingalwara Institution, commenced today with the Annual Cultural and Prize Distribution Ceremony of the educational institutions run by Pingalwara. The programme was held at the Head Office of the Pingalwara Institution near the Bus Stand, Amritsar.
The educational institutions of Pingalwara, which are jointly managed by the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.), Amritsar and the Pingalwara Society of Ontario (Canada), including Bhagat Puran Singh Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Bhagat Puran Singh School for the Deaf, Bhagat Puran Singh School of Special Education, and Bhagat Puran Singh Institute of Special Needs, Manawala Kalan, presented a vibrant cultural programme.
The Chief Guest on the occasion was the renowned theatre personality Keval Dhaliwal. He was warmly welcomed upon his arrival at the Pingalwara campus by Dr. Inderjit Kaur, Chief Sewadar, along with members of the Pingalwara family.
The programme began with the soulful rendition of a Gurbani hymn, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest to formally inaugurate the annual function.
Students presented a series of cultural performances, including thought-provoking plays depicting Bhagat Puran Singh Ji’s vision and concern for environmental conservation. Through powerful theatrical presentations, they highlighted the alarming issues of air pollution and indiscriminate deforestation. These performances deeply moved the audience and inspired them to reflect on the degradation of nature’s precious gifts. The captivating performances kept the audience thoroughly engaged throughout the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Keval Dhaliwal said that he considers himself a member of the Pingalwara family and felt honoured to be part of the programme. He urged educationists to include the life and teachings of Bhagat Puran Singh Ji in school curricula, stating that future generations should learn from his extraordinary life of selfless service and environmental consciousness.
Expressing his admiration for the students’ performances, he remarked that their acting was so impressive that he felt like inviting them to become part of his theatre troupe. He further observed that the environmental concerns voiced by Bhagat Puran Singh Ji decades ago have now become a harsh reality. Had society taken his warnings seriously, humanity would not have been facing such severe environmental challenges today.
On the occasion, Dr. Inderjit Kaur, Chief Sewadar, honoured the Chief Guest and students who had achieved distinction in various fields.
In her address, Dr. Inderjit Kaur congratulated the students on their outstanding performances and appreciated their dedication and hard work. She also shared several memorable experiences from the life of Bhagat Puran Singh Ji and announced that 2027, marking the Centenary of Bhagat Puran Singh Ji’s Environmental Awareness Movement, would be celebrated on a grand scale. She stated that Pingalwara is committed to spreading Bhagat Ji’s message of environmental protection to every individual.
During the programme, the entire gathering unanimously raised their hands in support of a resolution urging the Government to impose strict legal punishment on those responsible for polluting groundwater and other water resources. It was emphasized that natural resources such as air and water are the very foundation of human life, and if these are not kept pure, future generations cannot hope to lead healthy lives. The gathering appealed for the enactment of stringent environmental protection laws.
The audience also appealed to the Government to establish a Special Environmental University dedicated to environmental conservation, research, and sustainable development.
The stage proceedings were conducted by students Jaspreet Kaur and Mehakpreet Kaur.
The programme concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the serving of Guru Ka Langar to all those present.
