Buddha Prasad recalls valour of Sikh warriors

Vijayawada: “Sikhs are the backbone of the country during the freedom struggle and even after independence,” said Mandali Buddha Prasad, Deputy Speaker. 

He was present at the prize distribution of the essay writing competition which was conducted on ‘Contribution of Sikhs in the freedom struggle’ at Gurudwara in Guru Nanak Colony here on Sunday.

The Deputy Speaker called upon the Sikh fraternity to work hard with Andhra people for better future. Hundreds of youths participated in the essay writing competitions jointly organised by Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Govind Singh Foundation, Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati and Andhra Arts Academy.

Addressing a meeting, Andhra Pradesh Sikh Association president Harmohinder Singh Sahney said Sikhs sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle and before the independence too. He narrated how the Sikh force resisted the invaders and saved the country.

LV Subrahmanyam, special secretary to the government, exhorted students and youth to study the history of Sikhs. Rajahmundry Gurudwara Committee president Sardar Pramod Singh Sahney recalled that he had seen Mahatma Gandhi in his childhood.

Anuvada Sahitya Ratna Dr Venna Vallabha Rao appreciated the unity, discipline and lifestyle of Sikhs. He recalled as to how they dedicated themselves to the service of the country Golla Narayanana Rao, president of Andhra Arts Academy, highlighted the similarities between Sikhs and Andhra people. “While we have Alluri Sitaramaraju, Kanneganti Hanumantu and Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, Sikhs have Bhagat Singh, Uddham Singh and Lala Lajapat Roy,” he stated.

Sardar Rajhpal Singh, Telangana Siromani Akali Dal president, Sardar  Rahinder Singh Bhasin, member of World Sikh  Federation spoke while Kanwarjeet Singh, president of Vijayawada Gurudwara  Committee conducted the meeting. Kuldeep Kaur, Karam Kaur, Guneet Singh, Pinky Singh and others participated.

As many as 680 students participated in the essay writing competition in English, Hindi and Telugu. Cash prizes worth Rs 50,000 for the two first prizes, two second prizes, two third prizes and 20 consolation prizes were distributed to the students by Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad.