हिंदी
— MP Sunny Deol Remains Silent as Pleas for Akhada Restoration Persist
Chandigarh, 25 October :
In recent days, social media has ignited with the viral post that has taken the public’s attention by storm. The spotlight revolves around a heartfelt letter addressed to Mr. Sunny Deol, a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab. The author of this letter, Kamal Kumar, a resident of Batala, has stressed the urgent need for the restoration and renovation of the historical and religious heritage of Akhada in Batala.
The roots of Famous Akhada in Batala trace back to 1974, when the social Organisation laid the foundation of this exceptional religious and historical site. Located in the Gurdaspur district, Batala, this unique place is home to a sacred idol of Lord Hanuman and boasts an Akhada and a gymnasium. Furthermore, a badminton court was introduced to attract local youth to engage in sports and deter them from the pitfalls of substance abuse. The facility also encompasses a park with swings, providing a recreational space for children.
This Akhada has given rise to numerous renowned athletes. Premchand Dhingra who awared By Padam Shri & Arjuna Award as well as he secured titles like Mr. Asia and Best Poser after rigorous training at this establishment. Among them is Yogesh Sanan, a nine-time Mr. India titleholder, who honed his skills here.
However, the heartfelt letter spotlights a critical concern: economically disadvantaged individuals who harbor a passion for bodybuilding but cannot afford the nominal fee imposed by the management committee. Despite their financial constraints, these young enthusiasts flock to the Akhada daily for their fitness regimen.
The structural condition of the building itself is another cause for concern. Founded in 1974, the structure of Akhada has deteriorated, with the roof now in a fragile state. Urgent restoration and renovation are imperative to safeguard this emblem of cultural and historical significance for the residents of Batala.
Addressed to Mr. Sunny Deol, the letter stands as an earnest plea for support. It underscores the paramount importance of preserving this historical and religious site and offering youth a platform to partake in sports, steering them clear of substance abuse, while contributing to the “Fit India Movement.” Kamal Kumar implores Mr. Deol to employ his influence as a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Sports and Youth Affairs to aid this noble cause.
The social media post in question has triggered substantial public interest, with a multitude of individuals expressing their solidarity with the restoration efforts of Akhada. They commend the initiative to engage the youth in sports and fitness.
As the community unites in support of this cause, there is hope that Mr. Sunny Deol and the authorities will heed the call for assistance, ensuring that this historical and religious site continues to thrive. This support also guarantees that the youth of Batala receive the necessary backing to engage in healthy activities and remain sheltered from the perils of substance abuse.
In the political landscape, the response to the social media buzz surrounding the restoration of Akhada has been significant. A statement from Punjab Congress has caught the attention of many. Additionally, Karan Deep Singh Sohal, Joint Secretary of the Youth Akali Dal, made sharp comments regarding Sunny Deol’s involvement in the matter.
Punjab Congress Spokesperson Jaskaran Kahlon criticized MP Sunny Deol for not responding to Kamal Kumar’s social worker. He pointed out Deol’s frequent absence from his parliamentary constituency and suggested that his absence makes people feel taken for granted. Kahlon also emphasized the need for Deol to address the demands without resigning from his position.
After the statement from the Punjab Congress spokesperson, now Youth Akali Dal’s Joint Secretary Karndeep Singh Sohal has issued a strong statement. He stated that the MP has already announced that he won’t contest elections again. By making the announcement of not contesting elections, the MP cannot evade his responsibility. Being an MP, it is your responsibility to fulfill the demands of your constituents. He said that batala Famous Akhada deserves significant attention. The Akhada has made a substantial contribution in keeping the youth away from the quagmire of substance abuse. He mentioned that every year, 5 crore INR from the MPLADS funds are allocated for the development of the constituency. The MP should allocate a grant to renovate the Akhada’s infrastructure. It remains to be seen whether in the coming days, the MP fulfills his responsibilities or, alternatively, the political situation will heat up due to this letter.
