Delhi's Damandeep Singh bagged the title of Mr. Singh International at the grand finale of the contest held at the Khalsa College grounds in Amritsar, Punjab, late Saturday (November 28, 2009) night.
Mandeep Singh from the United Kingdom was declared the first runner-up, while Talwinder Singh was the second runner-up.
The contest, organised by a voluntary organisation Akal Purakh ki Fauj (APKF), was exclusively for the sabat surat Sikhs (Sikhs with unshorn hair).
Senior Akali leader Sukhdev Singh and S.G.P.C chief Avtar Singh were present at the final show, along with actor Neil Nitin Mukesh. The theme of the show was environmental protection as enshrined in Sikh philosophy, and how the youth should join hands to safeguard the earth.
Singer Rabbi Singh Shergill performed at the finale, attended by a huge crowd.
Both Sukhdev Singh and Avtar Singh lauded the APKF for organising the event which could help dissuade the Sikh youth from giving up the turban and trimming their hair.
Neil said he was mesmerised by the display of the art and culture of Sikhs. He said he was looking forward to work with a Sardar in the lead role in a film.
He added that he thought each of the 30 finalists was talented enough to join the film industry.
Damandeep Singh was declared as Mr Singh International 2009 whereas Mandeep Singh from the United Kingdom and Talwinder Singh from Italy were declared the first and second runners-up respectively
