:dateline:On the eve of the new year of the English calendar, Sikh Youth Front held a religious program to mark the martyrdom anniversary of former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, Shaheed Bhai Tarsem Singh Jatt, Shaheed Bhai Roshan Singh Bairagi and other martyred Singhs of Sikh history at village Kalia near Batala. After the Bhog of Sri Sukhmani Sahib, local a Kavishar Jatha explained the bravery of Shaheed Singhs.
Bhai Papalpreet Singh (General Secretary, Sikh Youth Front) said that the�meaning of the word �martyr� is �witness�. He said that our martyrs had very soundly witnessed the truth of Sikh sovereignty. Martyrs from the ancient Sikh period till now have clearly witnessed that the Sikh community is not a slave community. He said that it is shameful that Sikh parents hesitate in teaching about the bravery of Sikh martyrs to their children. The influence of the Western culture is deteriorating the Sikh traditions day by day. He appealed all the Sikh parents to make their children aware about Sikh history and Sikh traditions.
Bhai Pritpal Singh (Media Secretary, Sikh Youth Front) said on this occasion that if we really want to give a tribute to our Shaheeds, then we will have to follow the paths enlightened by them. He said that �drug smuggling� in Punjab is the biggest challenge for us in the current situation. He said that it is very sad that the same political party is organizing the �anti-drug� campaign in Punjab, workers of which are accused in drug smuggling.
Families of near about 20 martyred Singhs including one of Shaheed Bhai Joga Singh Khanpur were honored by Sikh Youth Front on this occasion. Literature to aware the devotees about Sikh values was distributed on a large scale. Hundreds of local devotees paid homage to the Shaheed Singhs by participating in Ardas.
