Dr. Kewal Krishan: A Dedicated Leader and Advocate for Progress
Dr. Kewal Krishan (10 October 1923 – 30 June 2008) was a distinguished medical practitioner and politician from Punjab, India. Known for his simplicity, honesty, and dedication, he served as the Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly from 2002 to 2007. His political career spanned decades, with his first election as an Indian National Congress MLA in 1969. He held the position of Speaker twice, from 1973 to 1977 and again from 2002 to 2007, and served as Minister of Finance in the Punjab Government from 1980 to 1983.
Dr. Kewal Krishan was deeply committed to fostering goodwill and strengthening ties across borders. In 2005, he led an Assembly delegation to Pakistan for a goodwill visit to the Punjab Legislative Assembly, promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two regions.
A staunch believer in education, Dr. Kewal Krishan often emphasized that a community's strength lies in its professionals, such as doctors and engineers. He encouraged members of his community to focus on education as a path to growth and progress.
He played a key role in community leadership, serving as the third President of the Ghirth Bahati Chahang Committee, following the legacy of Late Sh. Hri Ram. He also oversaw the publication of Kashtirya Jeevan, a community magazine based in Chandigarh, which was previously published in Urdu under the name Kashtirya Tej in Hoshiarpur. His efforts in running the magazine helped keep the community informed and connected.
In January 2006, at the age of 83, Dr. Kewal Krishan announced his decision to retire from politics, saying, "I have played my innings. Now it's time for the younger generation to take over." His selfless service to his community and state earned him great respect, and he will be remembered for his tireless efforts to uplift his people.
Dr. Kewal Krishan passed away on 30 June 2008 from a heart attack. His contributions to the community, politics, and education will forever be remembered with deep respect and admiration.