The fourth Akal International Youth Camp was inaugurated by Ms. Tejal Shah, Economic Officer and Second Secretary of the American Embassy, New Delhi. They were accompanied by Charles Sellers (Consul Officer), Heidy Servin - Baez, (US State Department Fellow) and Anjali Kaur (Consultant - Public Health). The guests arrived on July 3rd. They were accorded grand welcome with a fine presentation of Musical Band and horse-display. They were welcomed by the tiny-tots of Akal Academy with flower bouquets along with the reception team comprising of Dr. Khem Singh Gill, Dr. M.S. Atwal, Dr. Davinder Singh, Dr. Neelam Kaur, Er. Amarjeet Singh and Mrs. Paramjit Kaur. Students lined up on the both sides of the ramp all the way to the Guest House wearing American T-shirts and school uniform holding American and Indian flags as a sign of Universal Brotherhood. The local group of dancers presented the traditional “Nati” Himachali dance.

Later in the evening, a grand cultural program was organized in the auditorium of Akal College of Engineering and Technology to celebrate 231st anniversary of the American Independence. The guests were welcomed by the students of Akal Academy hoisting US flags and Indian Tri-color. The proceedings began with rendering of divine music with traditional string musical instruments (Tanti Saz) by the students of Akal Academy. It was followed with a fine display of Tibetan and Himachali Dances. The guests lighted the traditional lamps during the display of folk dance of Himachal Pradesh. The American guests also took part in some of the dances. Other folk dances depicting Indian culture were also presented by the students of Akal Academy. A special dance sequence was choreographed to mark universal peace and brotherhood. American National Anthem was sung by the campers along with the guests. The NRI students of Akal Academy shared their experience at Baru Sahib with the audience. The campers also shared their views, aspirations and reasons for attending the Akal International Youth Camp. A documentary film depicting the philanthropic activities being undertaken by The Kalgidhar Trust was also shown to the guests.

Dr. Khem Singh (retired Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University) delivered the welcome speech. Dr. M.S. Atwal apprised the audience of the higher education programs taken up by the Kalgidhar Trust with the establishment of Akal University and Akal College of Engineering & Technology at Baru Sahib. Ms. Tejal Shah lauded the efforts of The Kalgidhar Trust in establishing permanent peace and universal brotherhood in the world. She offered all kinds of help and cooperation to further this noble cause undertaken by the Trust.

The mementos were presented to the guests by Dr. Khem Singh. At the end of the ceremony, the guests enjoyed the grand display of fireworks.

The next day, guests paid their obeisance at Darbar Sahib. The students of Akal Academy displayed their martial arts skills – Gatka in full splendor. The blindfolded act of slicing coconuts on the heads, chest and neck of kids with a sharp edged sword left the guests speechless. The guests remarked that it was a ‘never before’ experience for them.

The guests formally inaugurated the Akal International Youth Camp by cutting the ribbon in the Camp Complex. Then the guests were taken on a tour of Akal Complex by Er. Amarjeet Singh (Director, Akal International Youth Camp). While on tour of Akal Academy, the guests were introduced to the American Campers and NRI students studying in the Akal Academy. The guests found time to mingle around with the students of Gurmat Vidhyalaya and go through the beautiful collection of designer ladies suits produced by the rural womenfolk working with Akal Rozgar Yojana (A self employment program being managed by the Kalgidhar Trust). The guests lauded the efforts of The Kalgidhar Trust for creating employment opportunities for the needy women from backward and rural regions of Punjab. They were in awe of the inspiring philanthropic jobs undertaken by the organization. They could not help remark the great odds against which the benefactors and the beneficiaries were working in this remote area. The guest also visited the Akal Charitable Hospital, Akal College of Engineering & Technology, Hostels, Golden Library & Gurmat Library.

The guests of honor took blessings from honorable Baba Iqbal Singh Ji before leaving for Delhi in the afternoon