Ex-Union Minister & Akali Leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Passes Away
It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a stalwart of Indian politics and a prominent figure in the Shiromani Akali Dal, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. Dhindsa was undergoing treatment for age-related issues at a private clinic in Mohali, Punjab, when he breathed his last.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dhindsa served the nation in various capacities, including as a Union Minister and a senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal. His contributions to Indian politics and society were numerous, and his passing away is a significant loss to the nation.
Born on August 22, 1933, Dhindsa began his political journey in the early 1960s, when he joined the Shiromani Akali Dal, a Sikh political party that has been a significant force in Punjab politics for decades. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party, becoming one of its most trusted and respected leaders.
In 1999, Dhindsa was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament, and went on to serve as a Member of Parliament for three consecutive terms. During his tenure in parliament, he was a vocal advocate for the rights of Sikhs and the development of Punjab.
In 2004, Dhindsa was appointed as the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, a position he held until 2009. During his tenure as Minister, he played a key role in promoting India’s food processing industry, which has since become a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
Dhindsa’s contributions to Indian politics and society did not go unnoticed. In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his services to the nation.
However, Dhindsa’s decision to return the Padma Bhushan in December 2020 during the farmers’ protests in Delhi was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Punjab and his willingness to stand up for their rights.
The farmers’ protests, which began in November 2020, were a major challenge for the central government, with thousands of farmers from Punjab and other states gathering in Delhi to demand better prices for their crops and a repeal of the three farm laws passed by the government.
Dhindsa, who was a strong supporter of the farmers’ movement, decided to return his Padma Bhushan in solidarity with the farmers, saying that he could not accept an honour while the farmers were struggling for their rights.
This act of defiance was a reflection of Dhindsa’s strong sense of justice and his commitment to the welfare of the people of Punjab. It also underscored his willingness to stand up against the government, even when it meant going against the norms of the political establishment.
Dhindsa’s passing away is a significant loss to the Shiromani Akali Dal and the people of Punjab, who remember him as a leader who was dedicated to their cause. His contributions to Indian politics and society will not be forgotten, and he will be remembered as a champion of the people’s rights and a strong advocate for the development of Punjab.
As we bid farewell to Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, we take comfort in the fact that his legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of leaders to follow in his footsteps. His passing away is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and of the power of politics to bring about positive change in people’s lives.
