Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal passed away on April 25, 2022, at the age of 95. He had been admitted to a private hospital in Mohali due to health complications, where he breathed his last. The news of his demise has left the nation in mourning, as he was a prominent political figure who had made significant contributions to the state of Punjab and to Indian politics as a whole.
Born on December 8, 1927, in the village of Abul Khurana in Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal entered politics in the 1950s and played an active role in the Akali Dal, a political party that represents the Sikh community. He served as the Chief Minister of Punjab five times and is the only chief minister to have served the state in four different decades. He also served as a Member of Parliament and was a Union Cabinet Minister for Agriculture.
Badal was known for his efforts towards the development of Punjab and for promoting peace and communal harmony in the state. He played a crucial role in bringing an end to the militancy in Punjab in the 1980s and 1990s, and for his efforts towards the construction of the Punjab State Capital, Chandigarh. He was a firm believer in the principles of democracy, secularism, and federalism and fought for the rights of the farmers.
Badal’s contribution to the development of Punjab was recognized with several awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. He was a respected leader not only in Punjab but also across India and was known for his simplicity, integrity, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The news of his demise has been met with widespread grief and condolences from leaders across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying that Badal was a visionary leader who made a significant contribution to the nation. He added that Badal’s services to Punjab and the country would always be remembered.
In conclusion, Parkash Singh Badal’s passing is a significant loss for the nation, and his contributions to the development of Punjab and to Indian politics as a whole will always be remembered. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and he will always be remembered as a leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people.
