Newsletter – May 2008 – World Punjabi Organisation

News Letter – May 2008

From: Sr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney (International President)

Baisakhi Gala at Abu Dhabi & Dubai World Punjabi Organisation held a grand Baisakhi function from 17th April to 19th April, 2008 at Abu Dhabi & Dubai. The gala event was hosted under the dynamic patronage of Sr. Surjit Singh-President WPO Abu Dhabi chapter. He was ably assisted by the energetic members of his team. The delegation from India in addition to eminent Punjabis included special invitees, namely :- Sr. S.S. Dhindsa- MP & Former Union Minster, Sr. Tarlochan Singh-MP & Former Chairman National Commission for Minorities, Sr. H.S. Narula- Eminent Businessman, Sr. H.S. Balli- MLA & Former Industry Minister, Delhi, Sh. Subhash Arya- Leader of the House, Municipal Corporation Delhi, Sh. Subhash Sachdeva- MLA, Sr. Jagdip Singh Nakai- Chief Parliamentary Secretary Govt. of Punjab, Sr. K.T.S. Tulsi- Senior Lawyer & Lt. Gen. (Retd.) M.S. Bhullar – Former Quarter Master General, Indian Army.
		Bollywood dance Ms. Sheeba performing at Dubai Baisakhi Nite.
The WPO Delegation led by Sr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, International President WPO also included:- Sr. Balbir Singh Kakar- Chairman International Affairs WPO, Sr. Bhupinder Singh Anand- Chairman National Affairs WPO, Sr. Ponty Chadha- Vice President WPO, Sr. Jagtar Singh Chadha- Treasurer WPO, Sr. Santokh Singh Chawla- Senior Vice President WPO, Sr. Jaspal Singh Chadha- President WPO, Sr. Harmanjit Singh, Sr. S.S. Sayal, Sr. J.S. Suri & Sr. S.P.S. Sethi – Governing Body Members. The event was also graced by Sh. Arshad Alam- President WPO Karachi, Sh. Jehangir Badar- Former Federal Minister Pakistan, Mr. Ali Badar- Secy. General Pakistan. Sr. P.S. Chawla Patron WPO UK and Sr. M.S. Kohli from Canada. Celebrations The delegates started arriving at Dubai from 16th April, 08 onwards, where they were put up at Al Bustan Rotana Hotel and enjoyed a comfortable stay.
	17^th April, 08 The main function on this day was a cultural program evening followed by dinner at Hiltonia Beach, Abu Dhabi. The members left Dubai for Abu Dhabi at 7PM. It was a picturesque 1hr 30 minutes drive to the venue of the function. In addition to the delegates from abroad, the function was well attended by eminent Sheikhs in white robes and Sindhi Community of Abu Dhabi. Performance by well known Punjabi Pop singer Mika, famous dancer Ms. Sheeba Bhakri, eminent singer Ms. Mona Singh from London and Mr. Kapil Sharma of Laughter Challenge fame had the gathering enthralled. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner and late night drive back to Dubai. 18^th April, 08 After breakfast, the delegates assembled together for a meeting to discuss various issues. Everyone present felt the need to put in more efforts to give impetus to activities required to spread the spirit of Punjabiyat worldwide. Sh. Jehangir Badar, Chief Guest for the event, expressed his desire for close ties, cooperation and interaction of two Punjabs on either side of the border. In the evening a grand cultural show was held in the Tennis Courts of the Aviation Club. A huge stage was erected for the show. The elite of Dubai was present to savour every moment of cultural extravaganza. The artists Mika, Mona Singh & Bombay Rockers kept the audience spellbound with their performance. The dinner that followed was lavishly laid out and appreciated by everyone.
Famous Band Bombay Rocker performing at Dubai Baisakhi Nite at Aviation Club.
19^th April, 08An excellent Punjabi Lunch organized by Sr. S.P. Singh Oberoi at his hotel Grand Dubai was enjoyed by everyone. The evening saw the members ravishing the smooth cruise at sea courtesy Sh. Vimal Bhatia. For thte cruise the delegates were taken in two luxury yachts. The yachts after covering a considerable distance joined together at high sea. The host, Sh. Bimal Bhatia had gone into minutest details to ensure successful cruise. Entertaining music, rendering of old songs by Mr. & Mrs. Bhatia and others, coupled with cocktails made the evening memorable. After the cruise the members joined Mr. Ponty Chadha at his residence for an exquisite meal where the elite of Dubai and Abu Dhabi were present. The Baisakhi Celebrations were a great success in which the members from different chapters were able to come together on a single platform and interact not only among themselves but also with the local representatives of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. All the functions at a grand scale, were well managed and appreciated by one and all. The visit was well coordinated by Sh. Harish Oberoi – Executive Secretary and Sh. Gurdeep Singh – Office Incharge, WPO. Sh. Arshad Alam made a request for the next WPO Convention to be held at Karachi. Our gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Surjit Singh – President, WPO Abu Dhabi Chapter, for making Baisakhi 2008 far memorable event for all of us to cherish.
			Famous Punjabi pop singer Ms. Mona Singh from UK performing at Abu Dhabi Baisakhi Nite.

Dalip Singh Saund’s Bust Unveiling Ceremony

Sr Tarlochan Singh MP, and Former Chairman-National Commission for Minorities, Mr. Stevens J White, Deputy Chief of Mission US Embassy, Sh. I K Gujral-Former Prime Minister of India, Sr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney (Padma Shree), Sr. M S Gill-Union Minister foe Sports and Youth Affairs, Sr. S S Dhindsa-MP and Sr. B S Kakar-Chairman WPO at Dalip Singh Saund’s Bust unveiling ceremony..

Sh. I K Gujral-Former Prime Minister of India, Sr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney (Padma Shree) and Sr. Anup Singhat Dalip Singh Saund’s Bust unveiling ceremony.