category Regional, amritsar, , tags Regional, amritsar, , DW BUREAU AMRITSAR Senior SAD leadership led by its president Sukhbir Singh Badal initiated akhand path (continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib) at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Gurbaksh Singh at the Akal Takht Sahib here on Tuesday to mark the party s 103rd foundation day on December 14. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president along with his party s senior leaders performed joda sewa by cleaning the shoes of the devotees besides washing the utensils at the langar hall. They also listened to kirtan here. Badal told the media that the entire rank and file of the SAD as well as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) would engage in religious service at Darbar Sahib for the next two days to mark the party s 103rd anniversary. He added that this would culminate with the bhog ceremony of the akhand path followed by kirtan and ardas on December 14. Asserting that he was overwhelmed by the response of the party rank and file towards the programme, he said the SAD had steadfastly performed this duty assiduously for the last 103 years and would continue to do so in future as well. We will continue to serve the quom (community) Punjab and Punjabis and stand up against repression in all its forms, Badal added. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is a prominent political party in Punjab, with a rich history deeply intertwined with Sikh identity and regional politics. Established in 1920, the party played a pivotal role in the struggle for India s independence and the subsequent formation of the state of Punjab. Led by influential leaders such as Master Tara Singh and Parkash Singh Badal, SAD has historically championed the cause of Sikh rights, religious autonomy, and the preservation of Punjabi culture. The party draws its support from the Sikh community, particularly from rural areas, and has been a key player in shaping Punjab s political landscape. Over the years, SAD has been part of various political alliances and coalitions at both state and national levels. The party s political agenda has encompassed issues ranging from agricultural policies to regional autonomy. Additionally, SAD has faced challenges and undergone transformations, adapting to changing political dynamics and societal demands. The Akali Dal has left an indelible mark on Punjab s history, reflecting the complex interplay between religion, politics, and regional identity in the Indian context. Regional parties play a crucial role in the functioning and vitality of a democratic system, particularly in countries with diverse linguistic, cultural, and geographical landscapes. Their significance lies in their ability to represent and address the unique needs and aspirations of specific regions within a larger political framework. These parties often emerge from grassroots movements, advocating for the interests of their particular states or territories. In diverse nations, such as India, where regional diversity is vast, regional parties act as the voice of the people at the local level, ensuring that the concerns of specific communities are adequately heard and addressed. By focusing on regional issues, these parties contribute to a more nuanced and inclusive representation of citizens interests. (editor dailyworld.in)