Jiwan Singh Umranangal (1914-1998) and Parkash Singh Badal (1927-2023) are two prominent figures in the Indian political landscape. Meanwhile, Jiwan Singh Umranangal had an honorable tenure as the Revenue Minister of Punjab in 1968 and as the Finance Minister in 1977, Parkash Singh Badal served as the 8th Chief Minister of Punjab from 1970 to 1971, from 1977 to 1980, from 1997 to 2002, from 2007 to 2012, and from 2012 to 2017. 

Both have made significant contributions to the development and progress of their home state of Punjab, and their legacies continue to influence the politics and social dynamics of the region.

Parkash Singh Badal, Former Chief Minister of Punjab

Source – The Times of India

Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time Chief Minister of Punjab, was born on 8th December 1927 in Abul Khurana, Punjab. He completed his schooling in Sunam and went on to study law at the Former Christian College, Lahore. 

Political Career

Badal entered politics in the early 1950s and was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1957. He went on to serve as the Chief Minister of Punjab five times, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of the state.

Parkash Singh Badal started his political career as Sarpanch and later became the Chairman of Block Samiti in Lambi. He was elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1957 from the Shiromani Akali Dal political party and held various ministerial portfolios. He was re-elected in 1969 and served as the Minister for Community Development, Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries.

The Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal, was the Leader of the Opposition in 1972, 1980, and 2002. He has been elected to the Vidhan Sabha ten times. In 1997, he won the Lambi Assembly Constituency for four consecutive terms. He also served as a Union Minister in Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s government in 1977, serving as Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Award Recognition

Parkash Singh Badal is known for his pro-farmer policies and his efforts to promote agricultural development in Punjab. He has also played an important role in promoting peace and communal harmony in the state. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to public service.

In December 2011, Parkash Singh Badal was honored with the title of Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum by the Akal Takht, which translates to “Jewel of the religion, pride of the community”. The ceremony took place at the Golden Temple complex and was attended by Jathedars from all five Takhts. Badal received the title through a “Siropa” (Robe of Honour), along with a sword and a silver plaque bearing the inscription of the citation for Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum.

Jiwan Singh Umranangal, Former Revenue & Finance Minister of Punjab

Jiwan Singh Umranangal was born in 1914 in the village of Dhaliwal Bet in the Kapurthala district of Punjab, India. He completed his matriculation (education) from Kapurthala High School and then pursued a career in agriculture. 

Political Career

In 1952, Jiwan Singh Umranangal began his political career in 1952 and became a member of the Akali Dal party. He also became the sarpanch and Nambardar (village head) of his native village of Umra Nangal. Jiwan Singh Umranangal rose through the ranks of the Akali Dal, eventually serving as the General Secretary of the party and becoming its Vice President.

Jiwan Singh Umranangal was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly three times, in 1968, 1977, and 1980. During his tenure as a politician, he held significant positions such as the Revenue Minister under Gurnam Singh in 1968 and the Finance Minister under Parkash Singh Badal in 1977. He also won the SGPC elections three times and was on its executive committee for 12 years, becoming a close associate of senior Akali leader Fateh Singh. Jiwan Singh Umranangal passed away in 1998.

He appealed to the people to maintain the Hindu – Sikh unity during the riots of 1984

Award Recognition

Jiwan Singh Umranangal was awarded several prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan (1991) and the National Amity Award (1996) honored by the Government of India. He was also awarded the Maharana Partap Award in 1987. At the age of 84, he passed away in a hospital located in Beas.

Jiwan Singh Umranangal is the grandfather of Paramraj Singh Umranangal, a high-ranking former IG of Punjab. PS Umranangal has been awarded the Medal for Gallantry Services twice for his bravery in fighting against terrorism.

Paramraj Singh Umranangal has also been honored with the Police Medal for his meritorious services to the nation.

Umranangal Family’s Contributions to Welfare in Punjab

From a political perspective, the Umranangal family has been a significant contributor to the development of Punjab. Their involvement in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure has helped to improve the lives of the people in the state. The Umranangal Family’s legacy of public service inspires others to work for the betterment of society, exemplifying patriotism flowing through the blood of the Umranangal Family.

Even the Umranangal family’s substantial contribution to healthcare in Punjab is commendable. Through the construction and operation of multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state, they have made quality healthcare accessible even to those living in remote areas. Furthermore, their support for medical research and training programs has strengthened the healthcare system, enhancing the overall health and well-being of people in the state.

In addition to healthcare, the Umranangal family has played a crucial role in education. Their establishment and support of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions have provided young people with access to quality education and training. This has led to an increase in literacy rates, employment opportunities, and the overall standard of living in Punjab.

Parkash Singh Badal’s Role in Maintaining Peace During The Kotkapura Case

Parkash Singh Badal, a veteran leader with a long and illustrious political career, has been targeted to wrong criticism for the 2015 Kotakpura firing case. The incident took place on 14 October 2015 in Kotkapura, Faridkot, where a protest was being held against the alleged desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikh religion. Subsequently, the case was registered against several politicians.

Despite these claims, Parkash Singh Badal’s role in maintaining peace and stability in Punjab during the sacrilege cases was commendable. As the Chief Minister at the time, he played a crucial role in preventing the situation from escalating into widespread violence or riots. Badal consistently called for a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible for the sacrilege incidents and appealed to the people of Punjab to maintain calm and not resort to violence.

Under his leadership, the Punjab government took several steps to restore public confidence and ensure the safety and security of all citizens after the sacrilege incidents. His role in restoring normalcy to the state was significant. 

Throughout his political career, Parkash Singh Badal has been a strong advocate for communal harmony and religious tolerance. He has consistently spoken out against divisive forces and worked to promote unity among all communities in the state. His efforts to promote interfaith harmony and unity in Punjab have been noteworthy.