User:Gurjeettalwandi/sandbox

("PUNJAB DA PEHREDAR")
(BORN 15TH APRIL, 1989) is an Indian politician from the state of Punjab. He is currently the general secretary and spokesperson of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the Oldest regional political party formed in 1920. Gurjeet Singh Talwandi is an active member of the Shiromani Akali Dal and belongs to the Taksali Akali family known for contributing to the formation of the party and various other historical agitations. Earlier, in 2017, he served as the youngest organization secretary, in SAD history. Gurjeet Singh Talwandi is also the youngest secretary of all India Jat Mahasabha. He has undergone rigorous training in sikh religious scriptures and other religious studies and proudly wears the badge of Vidyarthi (Student) Damdami Taksal, Jatha Bhindran.

BACKGROUND AND EARLY LIFE
Gurjeet Singh Talwandi is from the village Karimpura in tehsil Bassi Pathana, located in district Fatehgarh Sahib
 * Great Grandfather S.Shangha Singh Layalpuri: Freedom Fighter and a member of organizing committees for the famous "Chabiyan Da Morcha" and "Guru Ka Bagh Morcha". This was also known as Akali lehar and led to the form of SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal. Donated 25 hectares of land to Giani Kartar Singh to make him eligible to contest general elections and represent Panth in Vidhan Sabha.
 * Maternal Grandfather "Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi", Formal president Shiromani Akali Dal as well as SGPC. Member SGPC for 51 years, Ex-Cabinet Minister, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP.
 * Paternal Grandfather "S. Randhir Singh Cheema", Ex-Cabinet Minister PWD. Given the title of "Sher Sha Suri" for laying a web of road network in villages of Punjab. Continuously elected member of SGPC since 1965 and recently won by defeating Sr. Simranjit Singh Mann.
 * Father-in-Law: S. Malkeet Singh Birmi (OBC Leader and 2 Times Minister Punjab.)

The only family to have two members as ministers in the first government formed by SAD in 1967. Have led the Akali Dal for half a century. Only family in Akali history to have consecutive generations of separate portraits installed at "Ajaib Ghar" Sikh Museum at Golden Temple Complex, Shri Amritsar Sahib for personal sacrifices to safeguard panthic morals and principles.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Primary schooling was done at ST.John's High School in Sector 26, Chandigarh. His formative years at the School taught in him the values of diligence and perseverance. By continuing his academics, he further pursued his Graduation in political science from DAVCollege in Sector 10, Chandigarh, which provided him with a strong academic foundation. Building upon a further educational journey, Talwandi for the attainment of his postgraduation degree, a Master of Arts, moved to the University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom. His post-graduation degree provided him exposure to diverse cultures and academic severities. Talwandi reflects a blend of both traditional and international experiences, which showcases in Talwandi’s educational trajectory. Talwandi's educational background serves as a testimony to personal and intellectual growth with his readiness to get engaged with global outlooks. This has undoubtedly shaped his worldview by making him skilled in his multifaceted roles in both academia and public service.

In 2024, Gurjeet Singh Talwandi was appointed as General Secretary and Spokesperson of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the oldest regional political party of Punjab, formed in 1920. Earlier in 2017, he made history by becoming the youngest Organization Secretary in the party's records. Talwandi's journey within the SAD party proves his commitment, leadership, dedication, and influence. As Organization Secretary, he established his commitment to enhance the capabilities of the SAD's organization. Further, the Youth Akali Leader played a pivotal role in projecting strategies of SAD and becoming the voice and face of the party, whilst articulating its vision, values, and aspirations to the wider public.

POLITICAL CARRRER
• In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections He was in charge of the campaign for the party’s Bathinda constituency’s candidate Harsimrat Kaur Badal. He was made incharge of MLA constituencies of Mansa, Sardulgarh & Bhikhi. It was the key election in the political landscape of the state as Capt. Amrinder’s son Raninder Singh was fielded by INC in the known Badal bastion of Bathinda. President of SAD Sukhbir Singh Badal had handpicked Talwandi among a few others to lead the campaign. Harsimrat Kaur Badal won by a comfortable margin and went on to become a minister in the Government of India.

• In 2017 Talwandi was put in charge of the campaign along with Manjinder Singh Sirsa for the Jalalabad constituency in the Vidhan Sabha election. SAD Party President Sukhbir Singh Badal contested and won against Bhagwant Mann from AAP and Ravneet Bittu from INC.

•	2019 Parliament election Gurjeet Singh Talwandi was a campaign in charge for Ferozepur and managed the support from Shri Bal Mukand Sharma(former cabinet minister) a known Congress Stalwart from the region and managed to tilt the entire urban political landscape of the constituency in favor of party candidate Sukhbir Singh Badal.

•	In 2022, Gurjeet Singh Talwandi single-handedly under the guidance of SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal Orchestrated Historic Panthic Unity/Merger between SAD(Badal) and SAD (Taksali) and managed rejoining of Akali stalwart from majha region, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura’s faction including Ujagar Singh Wadali, Pakhoke, Baljinder Singh Hussainpur, Karnail Singh PeerMohammad President All India Sikh Student Federation and half dozen other Taksali leaders back in SAD.

•	In 2023, the AAP government of Punjab dismissed all 12,756 democratically elected gram panchayats of Punjab creating an upheaval in the state. Gurjeet Singh Talwandi challenging the State Government’s dictatorial orders filed a PIL in Punjab and Haryana High Court against the Punjab Government where the Government had to withdraw their notification and all the Panchayats got reinstated leading to major embarrassment for the AAP Government. Further, it led to the suspension of two senior IAS officers of the state and major changes in the AG Office as AAP tried to blame the bureaucracy for the mess.

•	2023 Talwandi openly came against the party’s decision to dismiss the Government of India’s policy of UCC(new law formation) upfront. He urged the SAD president and other senior leaders to voice the sentiments of the Sikh community to the central government by initiating a dialogue and using the opportunity as Sikhism is a separate religion having its own Rehat Maryada and with UCC in place, sub-categorisations, which were necessitated by an absence of uniform law which (in turn) resulted in ‘Hindu Civil Codes’ mentioning Sikhs and other minorities under umbrella of Hinduism, will no longer be required and Sikh leadership should remain united and make most of the opportunity in getting it amended accordingly. His opinions were widely covered by national media.

•	On February 1, 2023, Gurjeet Singh Talwandi convinced Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa to join the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). He spearheaded a signature campaign advocating for the release of Bandi Sikhs. Talwandi showcased his dedication while uniting the Sikh community and advocating for the rights of Sikhs unjustly detained. This demonstrated Talwandi’s approach to promoting Sikh interests and unity.

•	On October 8, 2023, a general house of all the factions of the All India Sikh Student Federation was held in Singh Sabha Gurudwara Model Town Jalandhar. A resolution moved by President Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad in the presence of Kanwar Chart Singh (Grandson of Bhai Amreek Singh) and Gurjeet Singh Talwandi was conferred with the title of "Punjab Da Pehradar," the Guardian of Punjab, by the All-India Sikh Student Federation General CouncilFor his efforts in getting the 12,756 Panchayats of Punjab re-instated and for his dedication and commitment to serving the interests and welfare of the Sikh community in Punjab like his forefathers.

GURUDWARA DONGMAR SAHIB(LEH)
In an ongoing petition for reinstalling of Guru Granth Sahib at Gurudwara Dongmar sahib, contested by SGPC through various local Sikh bodies Talwandi and his team of eminent Sikh historian Professor Anurag Singh compiled and submitted a dossier of 250 pages for presenting in court as evidence of travels of Guru Nanak Dev ji in the region and historical significance of Gurudwara Dongmar Sahib. Further, he got it submitted on record with PMO, Ministry of Defence, and Govt of Leh as well.

Talwandi on his own and from the SGPC platform did numerous Press Conferences to create awareness on the issue. The evidence in this case was a recording of the history of the third Sumer Udasis by Sri Guru Nanak Dev was placed before the court and the press, which has a clear mention of Gurdwara Sri Guru Dongmar Sahib in Sikkim. Talwandi strongly opposed the Chief Minister of Sikkim and said that no one would be permitted to engage in arbitrary action under any circumstances. He made a strong statement about the commitment of the Sikh community expressing their readiness to risk their lives to safeguard and serve their historical shrines. His words collectively resolved to defend the heritage and legacy of the Sikh community.

BATTLE OF SARAGARHI
Former Secretary General of Saragarhi Foundation INC, a New York-based organization committed to preserving and preaching of history of the Battle of Saragarhi. Being part of the organization Gurjeet Singh Talwandi orchestrated a visit of the UK Army delegation to visit Jathedar Akal Takhat, the Golden Temple, and the Military History Museum at Shri Amritsar Sahib on the sides of the Military Literature Festival. It led to the initiation of dialogue among community heads leading to mutual agreement for the commemoration of martyrs of Saragarhi on a grand scale every year. UK Army published guerrilla warfare-ready Sundar Gutka Sahib for all the baptized Sikh soldiers to keep in their waist belts like medieval Sikh warriors. They also agreed on an institutional level to encourage Sikh Soldiers in the UK Army to preserve their historic martial background and other articles of faith. These arrangements aimed to bring mutual understanding and respect between the UK armed forces and the Sikh community.

Gurjeet Singh Talwandi played host to a delegation from the UK army and shared literature highlighting the importance of the Battle of Saragarhi. During this exchange, Talwandi's effort was to promote awareness about the historic Battle of Saragarhi, which was acknowledged and honored by the UK army by awarding him various distinguished citations and awards.

Gurjeet Singh Talwandi played a key role in orchestrating the historic visit of Jathedar Akal Takhat, and Giani Harpreet Singh, to the United Kingdom. During his visit, a memorable event was organized by the Government of UK in commemoration of the martyrs of Saragarhi, and a statue of Havaldar Ishar Singh was also unveiled by Jathedar Akal Takath Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh in the presence of officials of the UK Army and other Government officials.

Gurjeet Singh Talwandi has also compiled a coffee table book chronicling the history of the Battle of Saragarhi which was launched by Governor of Punjab H.E. VP Singh Badnore at a special event

hosted by him at the Rock Garden during the Military Literature Festival. This was the right platform to commemorate the bravery of the soldiers and further deepen understanding of the remarkable legacy of the Sikh community. In his role as Secretary General of the Saragarhi Foundation, Gurjeet Singh Talwandi headed extensive research on the historic Battle of Saragarhi. Further While working meticulously Gurinderpal S. Joson, (Chairman, and founder) played a pivotal role. This remarkable story of 21 Sikh soldiers was documented in the book “Battle of Saragarhi” written by Chairman founder Gurinderpal Singh Joson. This invaluable insight into the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers and its publication gathered attention and acclaim, from the entertainment industry as well. Which served as an inspiration for Bollywood too. The Bollywood movie,”Kesari”, starring actor Akshay Kumar, and Parineeti Chopra and directed by Bollywood director Anurag Singh was made in this context and foundation, especially Mr.Joson played a key role in guidance throughout the shoot of the feature film on behalf of the foundation. It brought to life the indomitable spirit and courage of the soldiers who fought at Saragarhi. Talwandi's and Joson's efforts contributed to raising awareness about this essential moment in Sikh history on a global scale, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

PERSONAL LIFE
Gurjeet Singh Talwandi is the paternal grandson of Randhir Singh Cheema, who is from the Sialkot community, from district Sialkot village Sehjoke, Tehsil Daska (now in Pakistan). After independence, his ancestors settled in the village of Karimpura, Bassi Pathana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. His family both maternal and paternal have been representing their respective areas by being elected as a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) continuously from 1960. His Grandfather S.Randhir Singh Cheema became Minister in the State of Punjab thrice in 1969, 1970, and 1977. During his ministry, he was known for building pucca roads inducted as a PWD minister. As a PWD minister, he worked under the government of India concerned with public infrastructure including building roads, construction of bridges, government offices, and developing water systems.

Gurjeet Singh Talwandi is the maternal grandson of Jagdev Singh Talwandi, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1978 as a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He was elected president of SAD in 1978 and 1988. In 2000, Talwandi became President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Talwandi was elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1967, 1969, and 1972. He became Minister of State for Development and Animal Husbandry, and Minister of State for Jails, Sports, and Transport in the Parkash Singh Badal government.