Ludhiana, September 30, 2008:Pundit Sharda Ram Phillauri Memorial Society Punjab today observed the 171st birth anniversary of Pt. Sharda Ram Phillauri with devotion at Aggar Nagar Community Centre. On the occasion representatives of various Mandir Committees of Ludhiana and prominent persons of city were present.
Shri Manish Tewari, Spokesperson All India Congress Committee, speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion, said that Pundit Ji showed the path of devotion towards god and establishment of world peace through the means of Aarti "Om Jai Jagdish Hare" transcribed by him. Tewari said that in the present times the thought of Pundit Ji has attained great relevance, which teaches us to be concerned with the sufferings of fellow beings and work for the upliftment of our nation. He also highlighted the role of Pundit Ji in Indian freedom struggle and said that he was a source of inspiration for the freedom fighters.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jagdev Singh Jassowal (Chief Patron of Society), Jasbir Singh (former Minister, Punjab), and Ramesh Singla, said that Pundit Ji has also served the Punjabi language through his efforts of setting up a printing press. They said that Pundit Ji wrote a number of books and "Baat – Cheet" is one of those popular books. They praised the work done by Pundit Ji against British government during freedom movement and said that Pundit Ji remained undeterred in his efforts despite the cruel treatment meted out by the government. They said that Pundit Sharda Ram Phillauri Memorial Welfare Society deserves accolades for taking initiative of remembering this great personality of India.
Shri Krishan Kumar Bawa, Chairman of the Society said that they have received moral support from those present on the occasion and that society will more vigorously propagate thought of Pundit Ji of high moral and social values.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Shri Ashok Makkar, N.S. Nanda, Dr. Manoj Sobti, Pawan Dewan (Vice-Chairman), Suresh Gupta, Samrat Singh (Gen. Secretary).