The Punjabi Society of the British Isles elected its new President at a glittering Diwali Dinner & Dance which was also raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK on Saturday 6th October 2012 at the Renaissance London, Heathrow. Mr T.S. Sahni stepped down after serving the society for a glorious four years. The normal term is for two years but he was elected unopposed for the second terms due to his good work and the society went from strength to strength under his Presidency.
Dr. Rami Ranger MBE was sworn in as the new President in front of over 300 elite guests who attended the dinner. Guests included Mr Virendra Sharma MP, Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall; Mr Paul Uppal MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West; Mr S. S. Sidhu, Minister Co-ordination at the High Commission of India, London; Mr Samant Kumar Goel, Minister Consular at the High Commission of India, London and Mr Bhupinder Singh, Managing Director, Punjab National Bank (Intl) UK.
Mr Subhash Chander, the newly elected General Secretary of the society, welcomed guests and thanked everyone for playing a part in supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK. He spoke of Mr T.S. Sahni’s tenure as President of the society as being highly progressive. During this period the society had raised funds for various worthy causes. He thanked Mr G.S. Bhalla, Patron and Special Adviser, for his valuable contribution going back decades.
In his speech the outgoing president, Mr T.S. Sahni, spoke of the Society’s 85 year history and how members had gone the extra mile to help the under-privileged and victims of natural and man-made disasters and to brighten the lives of so many. He said that looking after the needy was the core principal of the society. He thanked Punjab National Bank (Intl.) Ltd. and its Managing Director Mr Bhupinder Singh for sponsoring the event. He then spoke about dementia and that in the UK alone 820,000 people are suffering. He urged those present to donate generously to support Alzheimer’s Research UK in finding cure for dementia.
The new president, Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, said that it was an honour to be installed as the new president of a great society that not only preserves Punjabi culture and heritage but also enriches Britain’s cultural and economic life. He then spoke about meaning of Diwali and the importance of Lord Rama’s values in today’s society. He said Lord Rama was a good son who upheld family honour. He lamented that such qualities are becoming scarce in today’s world. He was happy to see how members were working very hard to better the life of the under-privileged. He remembered the time when during Mr G.S. Bhalla’s presidency, a fully fitted ambulance was given to India through funds raised by the Punjabi Society of the British Isles. Dr. Ranger’s speech was followed by an award ceremony.
Mr T.S. Sahni was presented the Pride of India Award and a Gold Medal for his services to India and in particular to Punjabis. Mr S.S. Sidhu, Minister Co-ordination at the High Commission of India, London presented the award.
Mr Virdendra Sharma MP, Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall, was presented with the Public Service Award by Mr Samant Kumar Goel, Minister Consular at the High Commission of India, London, for wholeheartedly serving the community for 40 years. Upon receiving the award Mr Sharma said that he was delighted to receive recognition from his own community.
Mr Paul Uppal MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West was also presented with the Public Service Award by Mr S.S. Sidhu. Mr Uppal spoke of the importance of representation in democracy. He urged people to take part in the decision making process in Britain where we now live and work.
Mr Jasbir Singh Anand, Vice President, was presented a special award for his immense contribution to the community and society. Mr Bhupinder Singh, Managing Director of Punjab Nation Bank (Intl.) Ltd presented the award. Mr Anand thanked the society for the recognition.
A posthumous award was also presented to Mr Rajinder Chopra for his service to the community. Dr. Rami Ranger MBE read the citation and described him as a community man and torch bearer for patriotism in the United Kingdom. Through his passion for serving the community he encouraged others to do the same and as a result touched the lives of many people. The award was received by his daughter, Kavita, who thanked everyone for honouring her father and described him as a loving and caring man.
Mr Samant Kumar Goel, Minister Consular at the High Commission of India, London, in his speech said that he was very happy to see the Indian community in United Kingdom keeping their culture alive.
The vote of thanks was given by Mr N.S. Rai, Treasurer of the Society. He thanked everyone present including the Executive members for putting together such a glittering dinner, Punjab National Bank (Intl.) Ltd. for their generous support and those who had donated prizes for the raffle.
Brilliant dance performances were given by the Angel Dancers and the audio visual of the night was provided by Ritzy Music.
Delicious dinner was provided courtesy of Ragamama Ragasaan.
A total of £1500 was raised for Alzheimer’s Research UK. |
