LUDHIANA: The 20th Birthday of Late Ishmeet Singh (Star Voice of India) was celebrated a state level function jointly organized by the Departments of Information and Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Punjab at Guru Nanak Bhawan Tuesday night. 

 Bikram Singh Majithia Minister for Information and Public Relations, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria Cultural and Affairs Minister, Hans Raj Hans, Harbhajan Mann, Dolli Guleria and many other renowned singers participated in the function and paid their tributes  to the recently  departed young artist.

Addressing the function, Mr. Majithia said that Ishmeet Singh with his  unmatched achievements in the field of singing  in a younger age of 19 years only had become the role model for the budding singers and artists. He said that Ishmeet had succeeded in carving out a special place in the hearts of each and every Punjabi with his utmost humility, humbleness and moral values and he would be remembered forever for his valuable contribution toward culture. He said that every Punjabi was proud of Ishmeet, as he presented himself during his short carrier as the Ambassador of the Punjabi dress and culture.  The Minister further said that the Birthday of Ishmeet Singh would be celebrated  every year by organizing  a big function at an open place, where  prominent singers of the country would  be invited to perform.

The Minister  added that all the required formalities will be completed with fat speed to establish an International level Sangeet Academy at Ludhiana, for this purpose, Ishmeet Singh Foundation had already been registered today itself. He announced to given Rs 2 lakh from his personal account for the foundation. On this occasion the Minister unveiled and dedicated to the people, a beautiful wax statue of Ishmeet, fully resembling to him, created by the renowned sculpture Mr. Chander Shekhar Parbhakar.

 Mr. Hira Singh Gabria paying his tributes said that Ishmeet had brought a big name for Punjabis and he had been committed to the traditional culture and social values during his life. He said that all the people of Punjab had felt a great shock on listening the  untimely demise of Ishmeet and mourned his death as of  their own son. He assured that the Cultural Department would extend all kind of assistance to the Sangeet Academy and any efforts to promote the principles of Ishmeet.In the function Ishmeet's father  Mr. Gurpinder Singh  and mother  Mrs. Amrit Pal Kaur were honoured.
The renowned Punjabi singers including  Hans Raj Hans, Harbhajan Man, Dolli Gularia, Pali Detwalia, Gurmeet Bawa, Raj Tiwari, Puran Chand and Piare Lal (Wadali brothers), Manpreet Akhtar and Lakhwinder Wadali presented  musical tributes to the departed play back singer. Gurlovleen, cousin of Ishmeet also remembered him through her song. 
Punjabi Bollywood singer Harbhajan Mann while paying his touching tribute announced to give  Rs 51000 for the Ishmeet Singh Foundation and added that he would contribute  to send Rs 51000/- from the earnings of each of  his Punjabi film coming in future.Mr. Gurpinder Singh Sodhi and Dr. Charan Kanwal Singh  assured on behalf of  the family of Ishmeet, that they would make sincere efforts.

Among others who were present on this occasion included Mr. Inderbir Singh Bularia, Mr. Amar Pal Singh Ajnala (both MLAs from Amritsar), Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Hakam Singh Gyaspura, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali Chairman Zila Parishad, Mr. Gurdeep Singh Mundia, Mr. Raminder Pal Singh Senior Youth Akali leader,  Mr. Gurmail Singh Sangowal, Mr. Inder Singh Thekedar (Both members SGPC), Mr. Khem Singh Gill former Vice Chancellor PAU and Baba Ajit Singh.