Once denied entry into country for supporting farmers’ stir, Dhaliwal now picked for Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

Chandigarh US-primarily based totally billionaire Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, 71, who changed into now no longer allowed to go into India for helping the farmers’ protest towards the now-repealed 3 farm laws, has been decided on for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the best honour given through the Indian authorities for its settlers in overseas countries.

Dhaliwal, who moved to Milwaukee withinside the US in 1972 from Rakhra village close to Patiala and owns the most important chain of fueloline stations throughout the US, could be feted at the side of 26 NRIs at some point of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Indore from January eight to 10.

Dhaliwal changed into walking a “langar” (network kitchen) for protesting farmers on the Singhu border close to Delhi. He arrived on the Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 23, 2021, however changed into denied access through the immigration officers who puzzled him for numerous hours. Dhaliwal stated he changed into requested to go back from the airport due to his assist to the farmers’ stir.

The statement of the distinguished award has amazed Dhaliwal. Talking over telecellsmartphone from the US, he stated: “It has come as a surprise for me. Infact, that is a 2d surprise given to me through the Indian authorities inside years.” “This time, I am quite satisfied that the Indian authorities has known my paintings for the Indian diaspora withinside the US,” stated Dhaliwal.

He has commercial enterprise pursuits in fueloline and actual property sectors in 12 provinces of the mid-west US. Dhaliwal has been selected for the award withinside the “Business and Community Welfare” class and he hopes to paintings intently with the Indian authorities. “I need to transport ahead on a superb note,” stated Dhaliwal, including that he has the plans to spend money on indoor farming in India.

“Apart from doing my commercial enterprise, I do my bit in giving returned to the society. I assist Indians to study, paintings and do commercial enterprise withinside the US. It is an honour that my paintings has been known withinside the usa of my birth,” stated Dhaliwal, including that he’ll attend the 3-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. “My own circle of relatives and buddies withinside the US may even accompany me to Indore,” he added. Back home, his brother and previous minister withinside the SAD-BJP authorities Surjit Singh Rakhra changed into similarly glad for his brother being picked for the award.

“He (Darshan) changed into requested to use for the award however he didn’t. Despite that his call has been decided on for the award. It is an honour now no longer best for Darshan however for the whole own circle of relatives and additionally Punjab,” stated Rakhra, including that the Dhaliwal own circle of relatives desires to neglect about what befell in 2021.