NEW WESTMINSTER – Khalsa Diwan Society, Gurdwara Sukh Sagar Sahib, New Westminster, paid tribute to Dr. Khem Singh Gill who passed away last month in India. The Farmers of India admire Dr. Khem Singh Gill for two reasons – One for his expertise as an agricultural Scientist and stalwart and two for his humble and tireless sewa ( Volunteering) for the cause of upliftment of rural education. It is truly difficult , rather impossible, to reckon how many lives have been touched and enriched by Dr. Gill’s perseverance and his midas touch.
A Sikh is supposed to be Saint & Soldier but Dr Gill possesses one more quality of being an outstanding agricultural Scientist. His commendable research on wheat is feeding millions across the globe.
He was awarded the highest honor of India Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the Green Revolution. He was also the founding Vice-President of the Kalgidhar Society & Chairman of Akal Academies , one of the largest Sikh charities & rural education school chain.
Akal Academy Surrey students opened the program with Kirtan, followed by Balkar Singh and Angrej Singh from Calgary. Then the program continued with Bhog of Sri Sehaj Path which was organized by the Gill family. Sikh Societies, Schools and organizations and sangat from across the lower mainland were in attendance. Dr. Pargat Singh Bhurji said Dr. Gill will always remain in our hearts for the contribution to the mankind.Tarlochan Singh Bhamdi said he was Jesus of farmers. , Dr. Harcharan Singh Dhaliwal Vice Chancellor Eternal University said Dr Gill will trod the road less travelled and carved a niche by proving his finesse with utmost humility. Sukhsagar president Harbhajan Singh Athwal said Dr Gill played a major role in augmenting Green Revolution in India.
Other speakers included Rajbir Singh from Sikh Seva Foundation, Dupinder Kaur from One Voice , Dr. Guzar Singh Villing from PAU Family association, Lakhbir Singh from SUS helping hand Society of Canada. Newly elected MLA from Winnipeg & PAU alumni Dr. Diljeet Singh Brar remembered Dr Gill in his video message that how accessible he was even when he was Vice Chancellor of PAU. Dr. Gill’s elder son, Dr. Baljit Singh Gill was also in attendance along with Gill family and was honoured by the society. In closing, Avtar Singh Gill shared his valuable experiences and thanked the sangat on behalf of the family. A documentary on Dr. Gill’s remarkable life (*Pioneer of Green Revolution* ) by Reema Anand was shown at the end.
