The Punjabi Society of the British Isles (PSBI) celebrated their 91st Anniversary dinner dance event at the Riverside Venue in support of The Challenging Behaviour Foundation. Here, Mudhsuden Singh Panesar, famously known as Monty Panesar, UK’s first Sikh/Punjabi to play for the England cricket team was awarded the ‘Pride of Punjab’ certificate. He was awarded for ‘Bringing Honour to the Community & Country through his Outstanding Achievement of Playing for the England Cricket Team’.
Members attending the event included Seema Malhotra MP, also a Patron of the PSBI, Virendra Sharma MP, and Dr. Onkar Sahota member of London Assembly.
The General Secretary, Mr Parag Bhargava took the opportunity to discuss about the achievements of the Punjabi diaspora in UK and across the world. Mr Subhash Chander, the Outgoing President of the Society was awarded a plaque in recognition for his work over the last four years, and Mr. Pritpal Singh Amolak was welcomed as the new incoming President and garlanded by the treasurer, Mr Nirbhai S. Rai.
Seema Malhotra MP thanked the PSBI for the hard work the Society does to raise the profile of the Punjabi community and to connect the Punjabi community with other people in the UK.
Dr. Onkar Sahota also mentioned about encouraging younger members to join the society.
A raffle was also held to raise funds for the Challenging Behaviour Foundation and over £2000 was raised for the charity on the night combined with the donations also received. Guests were treated to a wonderful Brazilian dance show by Tropicalia, with their beautiful colourful outfits, after which guests danced the night away with music from Ritzy Entertainment.
The Punjabi Society of the British Isles was established in 1928 and is the oldest society of this type.
