Educationist and a Sikh intellectual Prof Jaginder Singh delivered keynote address.Mr. Amolak Singh Jammu welcomed the guests and briefed the audience about the achievements of Punjab Times in the field of Punjabi journalism. Chief Guest of the evening was Mr. Sunny Dhoorh, businessman from Grand Rapids MI and president of Punjabi Cultural Society of West Michigan and vice president of Sikh Cultural Society of West Michigan. Chief guest Mr. Sunny Dhoorh praised the high standards of journalism set by Punjab Times and its role in spreading information of Punjabi community. Grand Sponsor of the event was Mr.Balwinder Singh Sandhu and family-a prominent businessman from Chicago.

Folk singers from California Gurpal Babbu, Rajesh Raju and Sukhvir Sukh entertained the audience with their mesmerizing singing under the music director Narinder Kumar Bagga. California representative Mr.Tarlochan Singh Dupalpur and a former member of SGPC graced the occasion and quoted few words for Punjab Times. Dr Harjinder Singh Khaira was the master of ceremonies of this evening.

 Distinguished personalities were conferred with Community Service Awards.
Sunny Dhoorh with “Man of the year” award, Jassi Gill from California with “Realtor of the year”, Harjinder Singh Sandhu and family with “Best supporting family”, Surinder Singh Bhatia with “Volunteer of the year”, Ajaib Singh for “Best Kabaddi Promoter” in Midwest, Jashanpreet Singh with “Best Music Promoter”, Gurmail Singh Kang with “Friend in a need” and Raj Judge with “Entrepreneur of the year” award.

Those who were recognized this evening for their support to Punjab Times included Nick Gakhal, Gurdial Singh Basran, Gulzar Singh Multani, Mickey Kahlon, Hardial Singh Deol, Ayodhya Nath Salwan, Harjinder Singh Sandhu, Mukhtiar Singh Happy, Prof. Joginder Singh Ramdev, Amrik Singh, Jaidev Singh Bhathal, Mandip Singh Bhoora, Sarvan Singh Tiwana, Inderjit Singh Sohi, Makhan Singh Gill, Lakhpal Singh Johal, Varindar Sahi and Beenu, R&S Petro, Punjabi American Youth Club, and Baba Prem Singh Sikh Cultural Society of South Bend.

The program would have not been possible without the support from Punjabi Heritage Organization Chicago, Punjabi Americans Organization Chicago, Punjab Sports Club Chicago, Punjabi Cultural Society of West Michigan, Baba Prem Singh Sikh Cultural Society South Bend Indiana, Punjabi American Youth Club Indiana, and Punjabi Cultural Society of Indianapolis, Kalamazoo & Southwest Michigan Honorary Advisory Board honored Mrs. and Mr.Amolak Singh for their contribution towards Punjabi media and congratulated them on their 25th wedding anniversary. Special Guests who attended Mr.Gurmail Singh Kang from Virginia, Beant Singh Boparai and Inderjit Singh Dhillon from Milwaukee. Everybody praised the sumptuous food provided by India House.

 Special Thanks to Jairam Singh Kahlon, Gurmakh Singh Bhullar, Happy Heer, Mickey Kahlon and Dr.Harjinder Singh Khaira in helping and coordinating the evening. Mohinder Singh Rakalla and Rana Rakalla captured some valuable memories in their camera. Shan Kapoor provided video services. Media representatives from local media Indian Reporter, Desi Talk, India Post, India TV, Sikh TV, Raunak Mela, Desi Junction, TV Asia and Sangeet Darpan were also present to support their colleague and cover the event.

Contributed By

Amolak Singh, Gurmukh Singh Bhullar, Dr.Khaira and Jairam Singh Kahlon