Coin collection, artefacts, gatka mark daylong SIKHlens festival in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, February 20

The third edition of one-day SIKHlens Festival (India chapter) culminated at Tagore Theatre here today.

Retired marathon runner Sardar Fauja Singh was felicitated at the event and a film based on his life – “Fauja Singh Going the Distance” – was also announced.

From the display of coin collection and artefacts of history to books made available on Sikhism literature to musical and gatka performances, the event had all things covered under the entertainment section. Not to forget, 24 films including narratives, documentary, musical and animation as it were the highlight of the festival bringing Sikh stories to the foreground.

Eminent personalities and organisations of the likes of Bahadur Singh, Rashpal Singh Dhindsa, United Sikh Mission, Dhan Sri Guru Ram Dass Langar Seva and Parminder Singh were honoured for their exemplary work towards mankind, humanity, society, culture, education and environment.

The SIKHlens publication also used this opportunity to launch their book – “Jewels from Sikh Wisdom…A journey of Discovery” – by Harinder Singh.

The hosts for the festival were Gurpreet Kaur and Bicky Singh, founders, Sikhlens, and Ojaswwee Sharma, India Head & Festival Director, Sikhlens. World premiere of Ojaswwee’s film “Sarbat Da Bhala” was chosen as the closing film of the event.

He said: “From next year onwards, we will have a two-day festival and will also increase the number of films showcased in the festival.”

Poetry reading by Jatin Salwan, special gatka performance by Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara, special performance by veteran Punjabi singer Dolly Guleria and her daughter Sunaini Sharma, performance by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts featuring 78-year-old Tripat Singh were also the attraction points of the festival. —