Prakash Singh Badal

Born On: December 8, 1927
Born In: Abul Khurana, Punjab, British India
Career: Agriculturist, Politician

Prakash Singh Badal is the Chief Minister of Punjab and is also one of the top 10 richest politicians in India. He has also served as the former union minister and as the president of Shiromani Akali Dal, one of the important political parties in Punjab. Recognizing his dedicated service and the interest towards the state, people have nominated him as the Chief Minister for the fifth term. His major strengths have been his socializing nature, his calmness, simplicity, and intelligence. He has dedicatedly contributed for the upliftment of his party and society. At the same time, his equal interest towards other state affairs has been lauded and appreciated. He commemorated the martyrdom day of Shaheed Master Karnail Singh Isru, who laid down his life in Goa liberation movement, where Prakash Singh Badal proclaimed the role of Punjabis in freedom struggle. His simple living and high thinking is what makes him different from the other political leaders. Know more about Prakash Singh Badal's life and achievements in the write-up below.

Personal Life
Prakash Singh Badal was born on December 8, 1927 in Abul Khurana to Late Sardar Raghuraj Singh and Sundri Kaur Badal. He is married to Surinder Kaur and is the proud father of a son and a daughter. His son Sukhbir Singh Badal,is currently the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. His daughter is married to Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon of the legendary kairon family and the grandson of the legendary Pratap Singh Kairon and nephew of former Chief Minister and Governor Harcharan Singh Brar.

Career
In 1947, P.S. Badal entered politics and after a year was elected to Vidhan Sabha. He was re-elected to Vidhan Sabha in 1969. From 1969-70, he served as the Minister for Community Development, Panchayati Raj, Dairying, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry. He was the Chief Minister of Punjab for three terms previously - from 1970-71, 1977-80, and 1997-2002. Badal has been a Member of Parliament and has served the position of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation in the Central Government headed by Morarji Desai.

Contributions
His contributions towards the welfare of people of Punjab have been enormous. Apart from carrying out various welfare services, Prakash Singh Badal has contributed in the upliftment of the society and states, introducing various welfare schemes that has benefitted his state largely.

Timeline
1927: Born in Abul Kurana, Punjab
1947: He started his career in politics
1957: He was first elected to Vidhan Sabha
1969: Badal was re-elected to Vidhan Sabha
1969-1970: Served as a Minister for Community Development, Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.
1970-1971: Was appointed Chief Minister of Punjab
1977-1980: Re-elected as Chief Minister of Punjab
1997-2002: He was again elected as the Chief Minister or the third term
2009: The Punjab Cabinet under the chairmanship of Badal, rejected a proposal to enhance the retirement age to 60 years from the existing 58 years.
2009: Badal expanded his cabinet by inducting Akali Dal leader Sewa Singh Sekhwan as a Cabinet Minister.
2011: He served as the Chief Minister of Punjab for a fourth term.
2012: He was selected to the chief Minister for a record fifth term.