In an era of opportunities available to the youth, The Kalgidhar Trust organized a grand exposition aptly named ‘Future is India – Are We Ready?’ at India Islamic Cultural Center in New Delhi on Sunday, February 10, 2008. The calming spectacle was witnessed by the Literati and the ‘who’s who’ of Delhi. Mrs. Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, graced the occasion with her benign presence as Chief Guest and was accompanied by Dr. Isher Judge Ahluwalia (Chairperson, ICRIER) blessed with the divine presence of Baba Iqbal Singh, President of The Kalgidhar Trust.

The show started with a warm welcome address by Maj. Gen. RS Chhatwal (Retd.), who introduced the audience to the mission of The Kalgidhar Trust. He emphasized on the need to build up our assets of human potential, human capital based on value education.

Then students from Akal Academy unfolded a showstopper of a performance of a musical symphony with ancient string instruments – Tanti Saaz. The audience was spellbound with the breathtaking performance of the mystically absorbed white swathed young students, who presented a divine, soulful, stirring and heart-touching Shabad in Asa Raag. The audience was requested to stand up and cover their heads in reverence to Guru Ji’s Shabad. This lilting bonanza brought tears to the eyes of many.

Prof. BS Rattan of Delhi University apprised the gathering about the philanthropic activities of The Kalgidhar Trust in a brief, but very impressive note. He said, “Much has changed and change is coming very fast. The model of education has also seen drastic changes”.

Noted Senior Economist Dr. Isher Judge Ahluwalia (Chairperson, ICRIER) delivered the keynote address and spoke about the rapid economic developments of the country under the leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister at present and as Finance Minister in the early 90’s. She expressed her admiration for the organisation’s dynamic approach to confront the root cause of the social deterioration in Punjab and rural North India. She also recollected the memories of her recent visit to Baru Sahib – “where you witness disciplined high quality education with spiritual values on one hand and on the other hand you also had modern way of looking at things”.

Senior Advocate - Supreme Court Mr. KTS Tulsi gave a talk on ‘Need for Real Education’ in the present turbulent times. He said, “There has never been a better time than now of being an Indian anywhere in the world. It means that you are respected, you are considered brilliant, you are considered hardworking, you are considered innovative”.

Next, the gathering was taken through a virtual tour – ‘The Journey So Far and The Road Ahead’ and the audience was amazed to see the detailed statistics and the vast magnitude of work done by the Kalgidhar Trust. The present and the future projects of Baru Sahib were statistically unlaid in front of the audience. Most of the audience expressed the desire to know more in detail, overwhelmed by the figures. It was heartening to see the global citizens from Akal Academy reach top echelons of society as shown in the presentation.

Then Baba Iqbal Singh Ji enlightened the audience with his Saadh Bachan. Babaji speaking fluent english exhorted all to “look at Sikhi in totality without the regional mindset. Sikhism is a spiritual way of life and should not be looked upon as a mere religion” He further added, “The vision of setting up of 150 new schools and the Eternal University is the whole community’s project and it would require the understanding and support of all”. He beseeched the Sangat to give shoulder to the Akal Education Fund so that Guru Nanak’s mission could be furthered. “The prospects of providing value based education and employment to the rural youth is the only solution to the social deterioration being witnessed all around” - Babaji said. He also extended an open invitation to the Sangat to come and witness the spectacle of blooming Sikhi at Baru Sahib. The audience gave a standing ovation moved by the dignified but frail persona of Babaji.

Next was the important moment of the launch of quarterly magazine “Eternal Voice” by Mrs. Gursharan Kaur who was a picture of poise and grace. She released the magazine with a smiling countenance and handed over a copy each to the distinguished guests.

The valedictory address was presented by Padma Bhushan S. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, President – World Punjabi Organisation and Chairman - Sun Group, who set the stage on fire with a fiery Shairi. His delivery was remarkable not only in style but in substance too. He said, “It was the concept of equality, it was given by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, much before the ‘Das Capital’ was even presented by Karl Marx and later various Russian authors on the gender equality and women empowerment. It was again Guru Nanak Dev Ji who said many years back 'so kyo manda aakhiye jit jamme rajaan'. It is a sorry state in Punjab "oh kehnde jive dive thale hanera."

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Khem Singh (Padma Bhushan, Former VC, PAU, Ludhiana).

The exposition ended on an emotional note with Sangat swarming Baba Iqbal Singh Ji for a close interaction.