KARACHI: A young Sikh from Pakistan has won an international award in Canada for his commitment to the humanitarian cause of ensuring interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence among members of different communities.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Khalsa, patron-in-chief of the charitable Pakistan Sikh Council clinched the title in the ‘Sikhs in Charity’ category at the World Sikh Awards held last month.
“It is a proud moment for me and my council and, above all for Pakistan, that I have received such recognition on an international platform,” Ramesh told reporters over the phone. “I feel fulfilled to be the first Sikh from Pakistan to have been honoured internationally,” he added.
The award is bestowed on any Sikh individual, organisation or society, for making a positive impact on the health and well-being of the society.
The 33-year-old, who had been working for 16 years for the rights of Sikhs and other communities, provided food, supplies and shelter to the underprivileged. Ramesh Singh said that his organisation promoted interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence among different communities to keep the spirit of humanity alive.
He urged the government to recognise the achievements of people, especially those belonging to minorities, to encourage them to serve their motherland with renewed fervour and dedication.