Lok Sabha MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh today exhorted the NRIs to play a proactive role in social and economic development of the state.The MP, accompanied by former MP and Chairman Punjab Technical Education Board Mr Mohinder Singh Kay Pee, MLAs Mr Sushil Kumar Rinku and Chaudhary Surinder Singh, was here to inaugurate a park named after martyr Naik Kulwinder Singh who attained martyrdom during a counter insurgency operation. The park has been developed by NRI Mr Amolak Singh Gakhal after transforming a village pond.Lauding the stellar role of NRIs, the MP said that NRIs have by their sheer hard work and dedication carved a niche for themselves across the globe. He said that the NRIs had made every Punjabi feel proud through their exemplary works sone of foreign lands. Chaudhary Santokh Singh said that though NRIs have always done a lot for development of state but now more efforts need to done for inclusive development of state.The MP categorically said that NRIs have always played a vanguard role in developing their native villages and towns. He said that such concerted efforts are need of the hour so that the state can be further put on the high growth trajectory. Chaudhary Santokh Singh said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Mr Charanjit Singh Channi is leaving no stone unturned holistic development of the state.The MP said that such efforts can further get a major boost only the Punjabis in general and NRIs in particular support the endeavour of the state government. He categorically said that the state government is ready to make every effort through which the NRIs are emerged as major partners in comprehensive growth of Punjab.
Chaudhry Santokh Singh also lauded NRI Mr Amolak Singh Gakhal and his all associates for this path breaking initiative.Describing the park as a humble and befitting tribute to martyr Naik Kulwinder Singh, the MP said that the brave heart had sacrificed his life at altar of motherland while defending the honour and integrity of the country. He said that this park will ever keep the memory of the martyr alive and inspire the coming. In his address, MLAs Mr Sushi Kumar Rinku and Chaudhary Surinder Singh also lauded the role being played by NRIs in the social-economic development of the state. He said that every Punjabi feel proud on these NRI brethren for their rear feet across the seven seas. Chaudhary Santokh Singh also said that Gakhal family has been well connected with their village at ground level and has always been making stupendous efforts for development of villages.Meanwhile, Mr Amolak Singh Gakhal revealed that he has spent RS 2.5 crore for transforming the village pond into this beautiful park. He said that for this purpose sewerage pipes were laid in entire village and disposal of waste water was ensured outside the village by constructing a new pond. Mr Amolak Singh Gakhal also thanked all the dignitaries for joining them on the occasion of dedicating this park.On the occasion MLAs Mr Sushil Kumar Rinku and Chaudhary Surinder Singh, former MLA Mr Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr Sarabjit Singh Rai, President NRI Sabha Mr Kirpal Singh Sahota, Mr Surinder Singh Bhapa, Mr Iqbal Singh, Mr Ranjit Singh Tut, Mr Natha Singh Gakhal, Mr Vipan Monga and others were also present.