Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch and former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who passed away on April 25 at the age of 95, was remembered as a nationalist, secularist, and advocate of peace, harmony, and brotherhood. His son and current party chief, Sukhbir Singh Badal, expressed his gratitude to the community for their support during this difficult time and vowed to continue walking the path laid by his father.
Parkash Singh Badal had been admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali on April 16 due to breathing difficulties. Over his 70-year-long public life, the late leader always emphasised the importance of a strong Punjab and Khalsa Panth for a strong country. He was a secularist, following the teachings of the Sikh gurus and dedicating his life to serving the farming community and the poor. Sukhbir Badal said his father always walked on the path shown by the Sikh gurus and followed the message of “sarbat da bhala,” which translates to “welfare of all.” He also noted that his father respected all religions and promoted peace, harmony, and mutual brotherhood.
On Thursday, an “antim ardas” ceremony was held in Parkash Singh Badal’s village to honour the veteran leader, who served as Punjab’s Chief Minister for a record five times between 1970-71, 1977-80, 1997-2002, and 2007-2017. The ceremony was attended by various leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Congress leader Sachin Pilot. Shah, who attended the ceremony, said that the senior Badal’s departure was a significant loss for the country, as he stood like a rock against the Emergency to protect democracy. In addition, Birla and Pilot also paid their respects at the antim ardas ceremony held in Lambi, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhbir Badal thanked people from all walks of life, including leaders across the political spectrum and religious leaders, for sharing grief with his family following the death of his father. He said he had no words to express his gratitude for the love and support the community showed his father and their family during this difficult time.
Om Prakash Chautala, the Indian National Lok Dal chief and former Haryana Chief Minister, also paid tribute to Parkash Singh Badal, recalling their familial relations and the love and inspiration he received from the late leader. Chautala pledged to follow the path shown by Parkash Singh Badal, who taught everyone to live in harmony.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami paid his respects to the late leader as well. He raised the issue of ‘Bandi Singhs,’ or Sikh prisoners who continue to be held in different jails despite the completion of their sentences. Dhami noted that it was Parkash Singh Badal’s wish for these prisoners to be released during his lifetime, and he raised the issue in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Manpreet Singh Badal, a former Punjab Finance Minister and cousin of Sukhbir Badal, praised Parkash Singh Badal as a protector of farmers’ rights and the welfare of the poor. Senior SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra also paid tribute to the late leader, calling him the father of modern Punjab and acknowledging his work for farmers and the weaker sections of society.
As the nation mourns the loss of Parkash Singh Badal, numerous individuals reflected on the impact he had on Punjab, the country, and their personal lives. His leadership and dedication to the welfare of the people have left a lasting legacy, shaping the region’s political and social landscape for decades.
The farming community, in particular, has been affected by Parkash Singh Badal’s commitment to their cause. His support for farmers and their rights played a crucial role in developing Punjab as the “breadbasket of India.” His contributions to the agricultural sector helped drive economic growth and ensure food security for the nation.
