Rich tributes paid to Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman on his martyrdom day

Rich tributes were paid to Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman on his martyrdom day at a solemn religious programme organised by the Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman Memorial Trust, Rayya, under the leadership of its chairperson, Satnam Kaur Sekhon. The event featured the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib followed by devotional singing by student groups.

Speaking on the occasion, Sekhon described Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman as a “unique martyr of modern times” who laid down his life to uphold the dignity of Sikh prayer (Ardaas) and to press for the acceptance of Punjab’s key demands. She recalled that he embraced martyrdom on the 74th day of his fast-unto-death, undertaken for the inclusion of Chandigarh and Punjabi-speaking areas into Punjab, and for the implementation of riparian principles regarding river waters and control of Bhakhra Dam.

Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi lamented that successive political parties have failed to honour his memory appropriately. The gathering also remembered Jathedar Sohan Singh Jalal Usman, a close associate and a former Congress leader from Beas, who founded the Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman Memorial Trust in Rayya. The trust went on to establish Shaheed Darshan Singh Pheruman Memorial Girls College and five schools serving the rural areas of Amritsar district.