Calgary (Canada), February 26- Prashottam Das Bhardwaj (Das Ji), founder of North Calgary Cultural Association and popular personality of Punjabi community, passed away recently at the age of 85. To pay tribute to him, a special meeting of the association was held at Vivo Hall. Apart from the members, Das Ji's daughter, his grandson and granddaughter also attended. The recording played at the beginning brought tears to everyone's eyes, "Koi Chitthi Nahi, I know who is the country where you have gone".
President Surinderjit Palaha recalled the unique contribution made by Das Ji from the inception till his last breath. He gave Das Ji the status of a great man, referring to the four principles of Jainism. He reiterated the resolution that the association will take forward the achievements earned by Das Ji. Yesterday, with the efforts of all the members, the last Ardas was performed for Das Ji at Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Society Calgary. Secretary Gurdayal Singh Khaira shared his memories with full heart.
He also read the condolence message sent by Punjabi Sahitya Sabha President Surinder Geet. Karam Singh Mundi, Harkanwaljit Kaur, Manju Agarwal, Jaswant Singh Kapoor, Tariq Malik, Tarlok Chugh, Munawwar Ahmed, Harry Sekhon, Rajesh Angral, Surinder Dhillon, Harinder Kaur Mundi, Yadvinder Sidhu, Sukhdev Singh Bains and other members shared memories of Das ji. Joga Singh Lahil remembered Das ji as a virtuous, charitable and courageous personality, Dr. Rajwant Kaur Mann described him as a Karmayogi, a supporter of Punjabi and Punjabiat.
She described Das ji's demise in these words that 'Jis Dhaaj Se Koi Maktal Mein Gaya Wo Shaan Salamat Rahti Hai'. Karam Singh Bhullar paid tribute by reciting poems and totkas as per the occasion. Calgary Writers Association President Jasvir Sihota paid tribute on behalf of the association. Sukhwinder Kaur Sukhi shared her memories praising Das Ji's multifaceted personality.
- Rishi Nagar, Chief News Director and Host, Radio Red FM praised Das Ji's fatherly image, communication skills, kindness and selfless service and said that imbibing these qualities would be the true tribute. Sukhmander Gill paid tribute to Das Ji through the song "Jag wala mela yaaro thoda der da...." sung by the great singer Mohammad Rafi sahab and Jagdev Sidhu through his poetry.
Purushottam Das Bhardwaj's daughter, his grandson and great grandson expressed their true feelings towards Das Ji. In the end, a minute of silence was observed to pay tribute to the departed soul.