Chandigarh: Five times Chief Minsiter of Punjab and SAD patron-in-chief Sardar Parkash Singh Badal today expressed “deep sorrow” over the passing away of one of his long-time associates Jathedar Tota Singh ji.
“In the demise of Jathedar Tota Singh ji , Punjabis in general and the Khalsa Panth, in particular, have lost a strong Panthic voice that always remained unflinching in commitment to the tenets and ideals set before us by the great Guru Sahiban.
The Shiromani Akali Dal will always be inspired and guided by the indefatigable spirit with which Jathdar Tota Singh ji always battled the most difficult challenges posed to the Khalsa Panth and to the people of Punjab by the tyrannical and discriminatory anti-Panth forces,” said Mr Badal in a statement here.
Mr Badal recalled his nearly half a century long association with the late Akali stalwart and said, “Jathedar Sahib was a tireless crusader and was always among the first to offer to make sacrifices for safegaurding the interests of the Sikh quom, Punjab and Punjabis.
His commitment to the ideals of Punjab’s unity and of peace and communal harmony continued to strengthen my own commitment in this regard.” Mr Badal recalled how “Jathedar Sahib played a major role in Shiromani Akali Dal’s tireless efforts to reclaim the glory of the Khalsa Panth after the community had been hit hard by the events of 1984.
“He, along with Jathedar Gurcaran Singh Tohra, Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi and Capt Kanwaljit Singh, was the guiding spirit behind the Moga Convention on the 75th annviersary of the party,” said Mr Badal, adding that Punjab, Panth and Shiromani Akali Dal will always miss his inspirational and courageous presence.
“But his example will continue to inspire the cadre and leaders of the party in fighting the challenges thrown at us by the same anti Panthic, anti Punjab and anti people forces.” Mr Badal has conveyed his “profound sorrow and symapthies to the berevaed family.
Meanwhile Shiromani Akali Dal President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal also expressed condolence at demise of Jathedar Tota Singh and said that he was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of senior Akali leader Jathedar Tota Singh ji.
He said that Jathedar Sahab was a father figure to him and a source of inspiration for all of us. His invaluable advice and wise counsel will always be missed. I stand with Brar family in this hour of grief.
SAD President also visited family to share grief with them. He was accompanied by YAD Chief Parmbans Singh Romana and Ex MLA Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi besides others.
