Iqbal Singh Lalpura, chairman of the National Minorities Commission. file | Photo credit: The Hindu
Iqbal Singh Lalpura, a former IPS officer who is currently the chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, announced the formation of the Global Punjabi Association (GPA) on 10 March. The objective of the association is to unite the Punjabi community spread across the globe and promote their language and culture.
According to members, the GPA—a registered body under the Societies Act—will be headquartered in Amritsar.
During its launch at his residence in Delhi, Mr. Lalpura said that Punjab has seen bad days which do not need any explanation.
“We strongly feel that there are many issues concerning Punjabis, including the drug problem and unemployment. Both need attention and a positive approach,” Mr. Lalpura said.
no timely guidance
He said that despite being brilliant, many Punjabi youth could not clear the competitive examinations and were lagging behind due to lack of proper guidance on time.
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“Our organization (GPA) will take steps to provide necessary help and guidance to talented and deserving Punjabis for competitive examinations, placement in services, entrepreneurship and other enterprises,” said Mr. Lalpura. The GPA was to take up the issues related to Punjab/Punjabis with the concerned authorities/organisations/Governments in a peaceful, democratic and lawful manner for their prompt redressal.
“We strongly feel that there are many issues concerning Punjabis, including drug abuse and unemployment”Iqbal Singh LalpuraNational Commission for Minorities
GPA President Dr. Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, Global Ambassador for Cancer Awareness (Chairman, World Cancer Care, UK) said, “GPA aims to create a mechanism through traditional and collective knowledge to shape the behavior of Punjabis. Will also take steps for Youth in the best possible way so that they can contribute to the development of Punjab, Punjabiyat, sports and education.
GPA office-bearers said that former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir had also supported the Global Punjabi Association’s point of view.