A press release by Social Educational Welfare Association (SEWA) says:
SEWA, in association with International Fateh Academy (IFA), endeavors to honour those Gursikh personalities who are dedicated to the service of Sikhism and humanity, in its ‘Sikh Awards’ ceremony organized every year. This year, the ‘Sikh Awards 2014’ ceremony was held in the auditorium of International Fateh Academy on Monday, December 29, 2014. The special presence of ‘Five Singh Sahibaan’ to confer awards upon the distinguished personalities of the Sikh panth was a great honour and sanctified the event. This honour is given to those Gursikh who have overcome challenges to restore the honour and status of Sikhism and to spread its fragrance in the entire world. The president of SEWA & Chairman of International Fateh Academy, S. Jagbir Singh, shared that the Sikh Awards ceremony by SEWA was being organized from the last three years and awards were being given in various categories. The ‘Sangat’ from all over the globe nominated personalities through letters and E-mails. After a thorough verification of the nomination, 13 Gursikhs were selected by SEWA, and if god wills, these awards will be an annual feature. S. Ravinder Singh, founder of Khalsa Aid (U.K) was honoured with the ‘Sikh of the Year, 2014’ Award for safeguarding the human rights and reaching out to these afflicted by natural and politically motivated catastrophies. The gold-plating of Harmandir Sahib, Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht DumDuma Sahib, Fategarh Sahib completed under the command of Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji and in progress at Takht Patna Sahib, earned him the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his dedicated service. Dr. Sarup Singh Alag, a noted writer, reporter, researcher of Sikh history was also conferred with the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his contribution to the Sikh Panth. S. Jagraj Singh was honoured with the ‘Sikh Youth Icon Award-2014’ for promoting Sikhism through the electronic media. S. Guribaadat Singh was conferred with the ‘Sikh Youth Icon Award-2014’ for being the first Amritdhari Gursikh to scale the highest peak in the world end that too at just 17 years of age. Akaal Purakh Ki Fauj (Org) empowers individuals of all ages to achieve their potential in physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects and to fulfill their responsibilities towards their family , society and religion. The organization that has started several projects for the service of Sikhi, was honoured with the ‘Sikh Organization Award’-2014. The Sikh Media Application,’Gurbani Searcher’ was honoured with ‘Best Sikh Application Award-2014.’ S.Bhupinder Singh was honoured with the ‘Bhai Ghanaiya Award-2014’ for his selfless service towards the locals. ‘Pride of Sikhs Award-2014’ was conferred on S.Gurpreet Singh, a Puran Gursikh, for honestly performing his duties in the capacity of an Inspector in the Gujrat police department. Giani Jagtar Singh Ji Jachak was honoured with the ‘Guru Piyare Award-2014’ for his endeavor to preach and promote the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji worldwide. Bibi Harpreet Kaur was conferred with the ‘Dedicated Sikh Award-2014’ for her services in USA to enjoin the sikh children to their culture, heritage and religion. S.Gunveen Singh was honoured with the ‘Creative Sikh Award-2014’ for being a successful model, actor and director even while being a baptised Sikh. S. Gurumustuk Singh, founder of SikhNet was also selected for the ‘Creative Sikh Award-2014’ but due to some family appointments he couldn’t able to be present in the event. ‘Sikh Media Award-2014’ was conferred on Sikh channel for its significant role in the telecasting of religious and spiritual programmes as Kirtan, Katha etc. Bhai Gurbaksh Singh, who is on hunger strike for the second time, for release of illegal prisoners from Indian jails, was honoured with the ‘So Kahiyat Hai Soora Award’ which was received by his son from the ‘Five Sikh Sahibaan’. SEWA will continue honouring Sikh personalities who firmly believe in the Sikh Faith and reach out to preach and promote the teaching of the Sikhi to the masses.