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S.
Balbir Singh Kanwal (Birdi) |
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"
Ramgarhiakom is delighted to publish the
achievements of
S. Balbir Singh Kanwal (Birdi) M.A.
B.T.
He
has made
Ramgarhiakom proud by getting UNESCO award
in 1965 for his
book on wrestling. His research on wrestler
from
1635 to 1965
helps him to achieve this prestigious award. "
During my recent visit I find every room of house in Albert Road,
Ilford, UK,
is full of books, paintings, photographs, trophies and
exclusive collection of rare documents that indicates his love for
wrestling. Now he is keen to turn his collection into a fully
fledged
Iinternational
Punjabi
heritage
museum.
His research on music is also remarkable. |
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S.
Balbir Singh
Kanwal born to Smt Gian Kaur Mann
(Ramgarhia) on 8th
March 1934 at village Jaura, Distt. Hoshiarpur. His father S. Sunder
Singh Birdi was a religious person and a skilled carpenter. He was
expert in
bullock
cart making. For some time he had worked in
Nairobi
with Dogra (Ramgarhia) family and setup a Saw Mill in Nairobi. Due
to circumstances he shifted back to India
in 1960
and continued his old work.The
parents of S. Balbir Singh were
strangulated to death by their servant
in 1970 .
In this incident
Kanwal lost his parents, cash and valuables.
Kanwal did his matriculation from Sai Dass Public School, Hoshiarpur
in 1951, Graduation from Lyalpur Khalsa College in 1955 and Masters
in English in 1958.
He
also did one yr diploma of B.T. from Ramgarhia College, Phagwara.
Then he
joined as teacher at Doaba Khalsa High School, Jalandhar. His
passion for the sport started at the age of 18 when he met the
India’s first champion wrestler, the great GAMA, renowned for his
victory in 1910. Balbir’s
Great Grand father S. Kanhya Singh Birdi was a famous wrestler of 19th
century. Balbir himself took up a form of wrestling called Kabadi
and fought at university level.
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In 1964 he migrated to UK on Teacher Boucher, but he was
unlucky
not
to find
a
teaching job. So he joined post office for few months
then he did some labour job
and
other odd jobs for
livelihood.
He
got the teachers job in 1975 and joined at Newham, UK.
His
deep passion
for wrestler could not satisfy him. He got
an
early retirement in 1992 and pursue his carrier as free
lance writer. He is an author of many books and over 50
analytical articles that have been published in various
newspapers and magazines. |
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He
is a regular representative contributor from the Indian
sub continent for a 'World Wrestling' magazine. In
1965, he was considered as one of the worlds authorities
on Hindustani wrestling. He had worked as an assistant
editor for Des Pardes Punjabi weekly. His
few contributions
to literatures are as under:
· Bharat
De Pehelwan
(Got UNESCO Award),
Punjabi
Kabadi
Da
Itihas, Almi
Kabadi
Da
Itihas,
Punjab
De Sehar,
Geet
Mere
Saaz
Tere
(poetry) ,Etc.
His book "International Punjabi Sahit" is recommended for M.Phil
thesis. |
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The journey of writing is still continuing.
S. Balbir Singh Birdi is honoued by many association and
organizations. He is honoured with
"Shiromani Award"
by
language department Punjab
in
1985.
The wrestling association of Punjab
and Punjabi Kabbadi association
also
recognized his services toward wrestling.
He
also got Mohan Singh Vaid
award in 1988 and also honoured by the Kala Sangam (Art
society) in 1988.
He is popular as
wrestler authority of
India.
wrestling authority of
Pakistan
given
him a
“Guraj”.
He
was also
given
"Glory of India"
award.at London on 12th
August 2006.
He is decorated with
"Hind Rattan Award"
on 25th
January 2004.
He is named as “Greatest Sports Authority in Wrestling”.
Balbir Singh Kanwal is very annoyed with the
ramgarhias, because he is never recognized by any
Ramgarhia association in India and abroad. He was
thankful to the ramgarhiakom.com, for taking
initiative to highlight his achievements among our brethren throughout world. |
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He married to Smt.
Ajit
Kaur
Seehara in
1959.
The
couple is blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters. |
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E S S A G E .
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"
Rmagrhais have to make there carrier in Sports
,
along
with higher academic qualification.
" |
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Address
: 2-Alebert Road, Ilford, UK |
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