By Ravinder Singh

Amritsar, Dec 21(ANI): Several Sikh youth walked down the ramp recently to stake a claim for the title of Mr. Singh International, which stands for quintessential Sikh identity with single-minded devotion.

Selected from 2,000 participants from 59 cities across India and abroad, the 30 finalists toiled hard during their three-month long training session, which sent across a message that Sikh youths too could be a part of showbiz while upholding their culture.

The contest assessed personality, Gurmat knowledge, general awareness, skills in martial arts, bhangra, theatre and ramp skills of the participants.Promoted by the Sikh organization Akal Purakh ki Fauj, the event attracted Sikh youth from across the country. “Earlier, Sikh youths had an inferiority complex because they were not given equal recognition in the glamour world of Bollywood and Hollywood. But now, the scenario has changed. They are given equal status on every platform,” claimed Rajinder Singh Mehta, a member of the SGPC.”The organization of such events has contributed greatly in keeping away the young generation from drinking and other bad habits. Such events help dissuade the Sikh youth from giving up the turban and trimming their hair. We feel proud of such events,” Mehta added. The well-groomed finalists walked the ramp with great confidence.The competition was exclusively meant for Sabat Surat Sikhs (Sikhs with unshorn hair) and was a real morale-booster for Sikh youths.The theme of this year’s show was environmental protection as enshrined in Sikh philosophy, and how the youth should join hands to safeguard the earth. Delhi’s Damandeep Singh bagged the title, while Mandeep Singh from UK was declared first runners-up and Talwinder Singh of Italy second runners-up. “I want to say that Sabat Surat Sikhs (Sikhs with unshorn hair) were the best, are the best and will be the best. Being a Sabat Surat Sikh I will prove that we can conquer modeling and entertainment industry and rule it,” Damandeep Singh said. A major attraction at the show was a ramp walk by small kids in traditional attire. The aim of the contest was to convey to the young generation that everything can be accomplished by staying within ambit of Sikh principles and doctrine. (ANI)