MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AWARD
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the greatest son of Punjab, continues to represent qualities that also go onto the making of a sportsperson and a champion. Ahead of this time in many respects he had the rare distinction of being the only ruler in that by gone era who did not act arbitrarily and did not execute a single citizen of the state in peace time. Such a man indeed possessed the qualities that called for not only exceptional leadership in those turbulent times but also had the heart which could accommodate often conflicting ideas and interests. When we look at the times he lived in we can’t fail to notice that during his reign there was not even a single instance of communal rioting, inequality among the citizens and disrespect to any shrine or place of worship. In short as a ruler, he represented the highest virtues cherished by the noblest of people.
History records the multifaceted personality of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and love for sports of his times was fairly predominant. However, unlike his contemporaries, this love was neither unbridled nor without respect for certain laws of nature. Thus, when he once caught a tiger cub during hunting he could not bear the desperate cry of the mother tigress at night and commanded the cub to be freed in the nearby forest. He was a horse rider par excellence and his prowess can be judged by the number of times his personal courage and ability to ride in hostile terrains and indifferent circumstances led to victory of forces that he led. And, yet, he remained a romantic at heart, a ruler who had the imagination of ordering 102 gun salutes to the rising of the moon when the monsoon arrives! Truly he personified the virtues that any son or daughter of Punjab years for.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh award therefore ,are not only a tribute to the great son of this land of the five rivers but also recognition that the recipients possess in maple measure some of the virtues that went into the making of maharaja ranjit Singh. These awards are now being bestowed on sportspersons for the year between 1997 and 2004.state recognition of excellence in sports has been recognized as an important aspect of its duty towards the youth, for, it helps in crating an atmosphere that is conductive to channel sing the energy of youth towards creative and constructive efforts.
Punjab Government has also infused greater vigor in making Punjab the lead state in the country’s march towards sporting glory. Punjab Government has made its desire, to make Punjab lead the charge towards an Olympic gold in the near future, clear in its policies, and the determination with which they are being implemented and pursued give sample hope to the sports lovers.
Even more significantly, Punjab Government has not only revived the practice of honoring the sportspersons with Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award but has also infused new life in sporting activity with its renewed interest in its promotion at all levels. The award is given to those sportspersons of the Punjab who have represented the nation in Olympics, World Cup; One Day Internationals/Test Matches in Cricket and those who attain medal winning positions in Asian and/or Commonwealth Games.
Originally this award carried a paltry sum of Rs.21,000 only ,a scroll of honor, a certificate ,a momento bearing the image of Maharaja Ranjit Singh astride a horse in his warrior dress ,a blazer and a color. However, the cash award has now been enhanced to Rs. One lakh. it is a well deserved recognition of the blood and sweat that has gone into the achievements of a sportsperson though it is recognized that their contribution to society can’t really be measured in terms of money.
The state of Punjab is doing its duty towards the youth of the state. it is now for the youth of the state .it is now for the youth to respond with performance in the competitive arena that brings honor to Punjab and glory to the country. As far as the sports department and the government of Punjab are concerned, no effort will be spared in extending support to the state to achieve excellence in their chosen fields. More honors shall be bestowed upon those, who earn laurels at the international level and make India take its proud place among the comity of nations.