Patiala: In a heartwarming gesture, Lohar Majra village, nestled in the Nabha region of Patiala district, has unanimously elected a sarpanch after three decades.
Kuljit Singh, the father of renowned Punjabi singer, actor, and producer,
Ammy Virk, has been elected unopposed. The move not only marks a new chapter in the village’s governance, but also serves as a poignant reminder of its resilient past.
Lohar Majra’s history is deeply intertwined with the tumultuous events of the country’s Partition in 1947.
Kuljit Singh, the newly elected sarpanch, revealed that the entire population of the village traced their ancestral roots to Sheikhupur district of Pakistan. The villagers, like countless others, were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in the aftermath of the Partition, carrying with them the scars of displacement and the memories of a life left behind.
Despite the challenges faced, the residents of Lohar Majra have persevered, rebuilding their lives and forging a new identity in their adopted homeland. Today, the village boasts approximately 375 voters.
The village, however, now faces a new challenge – the emigration of its youth. Kuljit Singh, aged 60, disclosed that around 80 youngsters from Lohar Majra had ventured abroad in search of better opportunities. This exodus has left a palpable void in the village, with even the primary school struggling to maintain the required number of students.
“Now, there are hardly any Partition survivors left in our village. One Partition survivor passed away recently,” said Kuljit Singh. Kuljit and his wife Kulwant Kaur have three children, a daughter and two sons – Bhagwantpal Singh and Ammy Virk.
Despite these challenges, Kuljit Singh remains undeterred in his commitment to the village’s development. He expressed his resolve to put in concerted efforts and collaborate with the govt to improve the village’s infrastructure, including the construction of better roads, a ground, a park, and a gym.
Ammy Virk, the celebrated son of Lohar Majra, has not only brought pride to the village through his artistic endeavors, but also serves as inspiration to the youth. While his immediate involvement in the celebrations may not be on the cards, his father’s election as sarpanch is a testament to the village’s resilience and its unwavering spirit.
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