MANMOHAN SINGH
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee organized a special felicitation ceremony on the occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji to promote and preserve the rich tradition of gurmat sangeet and gurbani kirtan.
DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon said that the “Shiromani Kirtaniye award,” instituted by the DSGMC last year, is the highest honour conferred upon distinguished exponents of gurmat sangeet in recognition of their exceptional and lifelong service. The award carries a cash prize of ₹11 lakh.
They informed that this year the prestigious honour was presented to renowned scholar and eminent gurbani kirtan exponent Bhai Dr. Gurnam Singh Ji during a ceremony held at Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara Hall, Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib. The award recognizes his 45 years of dedicated service in performing and promoting Raag-based Gurbani Kirtan across India and abroad.
Kalka said that Dr. Gurnam Singh Ji, former Dean and Head of Department at Punjabi University, Patiala, has made an outstanding contribution to preserving the ancient Raag tradition of Gurmat Sangeet and passing this invaluable heritage on to future generations, bringing immense pride to the Sikh Panth.
On the occasion, DSGMC general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon announced that eminent Kirtaniya Bhai Swaran Singh Ji was also honoured with a special cash award in recognition of his dedicated and continuous service in the field of Gurbani Kirtan.
He further informed that revered religious leader Baba Bachan Singh Ji of kar sewa, along with several other distinguished personalities who have rendered exemplary services in the fields of Sikhism, religion, and society, were also honoured during the ceremony.
Harmeet Singh Kalka reaffirmed that the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to the preservation and promotion of gurmat sangeet, Gurbani Kirtan, and the rich sikh heritage. He said that such initiatives not only acknowledge the selfless contributions of accomplished kirtaniyas but also inspire the younger generation to embrace gurmat sangeet and strengthen the revered Raagi tradition for years to come.