This address by Santokh Singh M. L. A. delivered in 1943 at the inaugural session of Akali Conference makes a strong plea for the creation of an autonomous state with in the union of India. He calls this proposed state "Azad Punjab" where Sikh's cultural and religious aspirations will be fulfilled. He also suggests the territorial boundaries of such a state. He makes it absolutely clear that the demand of an "Azad Punjab" is not a secessionist demand at all. Creation of Azad Punjab within the union of India will preserve the district religious identity of the Sikhs to which even the major Hindu and congress leaders are not opposed. The address reflects the congress Akali bonhomie before India's independence which got eroded after India's independence.[edit]
