Raja Warring writes to Akal Takht Jathedar, seeks Panth Rattan award for Manmohan Singh

In his letter, Warring said Dr Manmohan Singh should be considered for the award of Panth Rattan by virtue of being the first Sikh prime minister of India. He went on to say that the former PM had tendered an apology in the parliament for the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 and also made special arrangements for the financial help and rehabilitation of the victims of the riots.

He further said that as PM, Dr Manmohan Singh had waived off farmers’ debt to the tune of Rs 60,000 crore and that he had also ensured the repair and upkeep of many gurdwaras in the country. Raja Warring also credited the former PM with taking steps that led to the establishment of the Kartarpur corridor at a later date. “The pro-Sikh and pro-India decisions taken by Dr Manmohan Singh will serve as a beacon of light for future generations. I request you to consider his name for the award of Panth Rattan,” he said in the letter.

Earlier, Sukhbir Badal had announced that the Shiromani Akali Dal would hold Akhand Path and Ardas at Shri Harmandir Sahib complex in memory of Manmohan Singh for peace to the departed soul.

He added that Manmohan Singh and former CM Parkash Singh Badal shared a special emotional bond and a vision for peace, communal harmony and development.

“The SAD MP @HarsimratBadal_ today personally conveyed the party’s humble wish and decision in this regard to Sardarni Gursharan Kaur ji while conveying her own and the party’s respects and condolences to the late PM’s family. Dates will be announced soon in consultation with the family & the SGPC. Also, the SAD will request the @SGPCAmritsar for the installation of his portrait in the Sikh Museum situated at Darbar Sahib complex,” said Sukhbir Badal in a post on X.

He added that Manmohan Singh’s father had gone to jail during the morcha that led to the setting up of the SGPC. “Dr Sahib remained a member of the All India Sikh Student Federation as well. When the Congress sought to split SGPC by setting up a separate committee in Haryana, I accompanied Badal sahib to request Dr Sahib to intervene against it. I can’t forget his response as he said: ‘I understand the importance of the SGPC as my father had also gone to jail for the formation of this Sikh institution’,” said Sukhbir Badal.