Iqbal Singh Lalpura

Iqbal Singh Lalpura was born on February 7, 1953, in Punjab's Ropar district. He faced the challenges of losing his father, S. Sarwan Singh Lalpura, at a young age. Despite these hardships, he persevered with the blessings of Almighty Akalpurkh and the support of his family, including his wife Hardeep Kaur and daughter Jasmine Kaur Nijjar.

S. Lalpura hails from Punjab's Ropar district. His son, Ajayveer Singh, highlighted his father's journey from humble beginnings in a backward area, rising from a modest house without the guidance of his late father, S. Sarwan Singh Lalpura. Through the blessings of Almighty Akalpurkh and the support of his family, including his wife Hardeep Kaur and daughter Jasmine Kaur Nijjar, he became an IPS officer and attained Cabinet rank in the Union Government.

Political career

After retiring from the police force, S. Lalpura joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served in various capacities within the Punjab BJP. He held roles such as Executive Member, Convenor of the Intellectual Cell, Vice President, State Vice President, and State Spokesperson. He was elevated to National Spokesperson and appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities on September 10, 2021. In 2022, he was also appointed to the National Parliamentary Board of the BJP, becoming well-known for his appearances in television debates.

Starting his career in 1972 as a police officer, S. Lalpura progressed to become an IPS officer, serving with distinction in sensitive areas such as Amritsar as S.P. CID from 1987 to 1996 and in Hoshiarpur. Throughout his law enforcement career, Lalpura held several key positions in Punjab's border districts. These included DIG Punjab Police, SSP Amritsar, SSP Tarantaran, SSP Kapurthala, and Additional Inspector General CID Amritsar. He was honored with several awards, including the President's Police Medal and the Police Medal for Meritorious Services. Additionally, he served as an expert on militancy with the FBI in the USA.

In recognition of his contributions, S. Lalpura received the prestigious Shiromani Sahitkar award in 2006. Presented by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the award coincided with the 400th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Lauded for his environmental efforts, Lalpura initiated the Kali Bein River cleanup project in Kapurthala during 1997-1998. His dedication played a key role in January 2000, when fresh water from the Buddhu Barkat Canal was successfully diverted to revitalize the Bein River. In 2017, his commitment to the Sikh community was further acknowledged with the 'The Sikh of the Year' award from the Chief Khalsa Diwan. Additionally, Guru Kashi University in Talwandi Sabo bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctorate.

Lalpura writes a lot as well; some of her works are 1. Japji Sahib Ek Vichaar 2. Katha-Vichar Gurbani 3. Mushkil Kahawan Musalman 4. Aakhiye Bharaman Bhala 5. Kich Kahiye Suniye Kich 6. Sahibzade Lalkarde 7. Sang Sath Nanak Tin Ke 8. Vangar 9. 'Hindi' Sahib Zade 10. Tilak Janju da Rakha 11. Sach Suniyisi; 12. Singho Khabardar 13. Khuda Nanak Mard-E 14. Raj Karega Khalsa 15. Manas to Devte 16. Kade Takhat Kade Sidhant, Kado Tak Dhende Rahange 17. Love, Serve, and Protect (under print) 18. Sewak Ko Sewa Ban Aye 19. Life Under Print: Living with Crime and Criminals 20. Khetan de puttar; 21. Suraj de Hamrah 22 Sach ki Bela is a book that focuses on Sikh history and philosophy.