Chandigarh, October 30: Amritsar, October 30: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is all set to put up portraits of Sikh war heroes in Central Sikh Museum on the Golden Temple premises.
Pictures of three warriors — Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh and Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora — will find space in the museum on October 31. SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar will unveil the portraits.
Marshal Arjan Singh served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1964 to 1969. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan for his distinguished service in commanding the IAF during the 1965 India-Pak War. In 1966, he became the first IAF officer to be promoted to Marshal of the Air Force.
Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh also played a key role during the India-Pakistan War of 1965. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Vir Chakra.
Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Eastern Command during the India-Pakistani War of 1971.
Badungar said their family members have been invited for the occasion that would be attended by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and other prominent Sikh personalities. “The contributions of the three warriors deserve to be recognised and we have decided to put up their photos in the museum. Our aim is to motivate the youth to join the Indian Army,” he said.
In April, the SGPC started the armed forces preparatory academy at Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College. It coordinates with the state-run Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Men in Mohali.
It offers a two-year programme, wherein besides pursuing academics, students are equipped with skills required to become officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
News Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
