उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली

Former Governor (J&K), Shri N.N. Vohra ji,
Air Chief Marshal, Sardar Amar Preet Singh,
Mayor of Delhi Municipal Corporation, Sardar Raja Iqbal Singh,
Patron, International Punjabi Society, Sardar Tarlochan Singh,
President, International Punjabi Society, Dr. Anil Kohil,
Hony.Secretary General, International Punjabi Society, Shri H.S. Bedi,
Distinguished guests and my dear fellow Punjabis from across the world,

Sat Sri Akal!

Standing here today, looking at all of you, I am reminded of a very familiar scene. It could be a village courtyard in Punjab, or a home in London, Toronto, Nairobi, or Melbourne. A gathering just like this—someone insisting you eat more, someone breaking into a story, someone else humming a tune—and within minutes, strangers becoming family.

That, in many ways, is the Punjabi identity. We don’t just meet—we connect.

And it is in that spirit that we celebrate Baisakhi today.

Baisakhi has always been more than a harvest festival. It is a feeling. It is the joy of hard work bearing fruit. It is the dhol in the background, the laughter in the air, and that quiet sense of gratitude that we carry within us. It is also a reminder of who we are—resilient, courageous, and always ready to begin again.

I often feel that no matter where a Punjabi goes in the world, two things travel with them—the ability to work hard, and the instinct to build community.

You see it everywhere. A Punjabi lands in a new country, and within years, there is not just success—but a support system. A network. A sense of belonging that extends beyond family to friends, colleagues, even strangers.

But today, perhaps the question before us is—can we take this one step further?

We have built successful individual journeys across the globe. Now, how do we convert this into a stronger collective force?

Maybe it begins with something simple—staying connected. Not just socially, but meaningfully. Mentoring a young student who has just moved abroad. Supporting a first-generation entrepreneur. Helping someone find their footing in an unfamiliar place.

Maybe it is about giving back to the soil that shaped us—supporting education, creating opportunities, investing in ideas and institutions back home.

And maybe, just maybe, it is also about preserving the little things. Speaking Punjabi at home. Sharing our stories with the next generation. Ensuring that our children don’t just inherit success, but also identity.

Because community is not built in big moments alone. It is built in these small, consistent acts of connection.

The story of Delhi itself stands as a testament to the invaluable contribution of the Sikh community—both in its historical evolution and its modern identity. From the time of Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji, whose compassion during times of suffering left an indelible mark on the city, to the rebuilding of Delhi after Partition when Sikh families played a pivotal role in trade, industry, and public life—the community has been central to Delhi’s growth. Today, from bustling markets and thriving enterprises to institutions of service like Gurudwaras that offer langar to thousands every day, Sikhs continue to embody resilience, service, and inclusiveness, shaping the spirit and strength of our national capital.

In many ways, that is what Baisakhi teaches us.

After every harvest comes the preparation for the next. After every celebration comes reflection. It reminds us that growth is continuous—and that prosperity is meaningful only when it is shared.

So as we gather here today—so accomplished, so diverse, yet so deeply connected—let us make a quiet promise. That wherever we are in the world, we will not just carry Punjab in our hearts, but also contribute to its people. That we will not just celebrate together, but also stand for one another.

Because the true strength of Punjabis has never been just in what we achieve—but in how we uplift others along the way.

On this beautiful occasion of Baisakhi, may we continue to grow, to give, and to stay connected—to our roots and to each other.

Thank you, and Sat Sri Akal