Pritpal Singh Pannu
National Youth Awardee (Govt. of India) | Lawyer, Entrepreneur & Social Activist | Karnal
A man of many hats — a lawyer, an entrepreneur, and the driving force behind NIFAA (National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists). Born in Village Mehmal in Karnal district, Pritpal Singh Pannu's journey from studying under the glow of a lantern in a one-room dwelling to building a national social movement spanning 28 States and Union Territories exemplifies fearless dedication to national integration, youth empowerment, and cultural unity.
Quick Profile Overview
Full Name
Pritpal Singh Pannu (प्रीतपाल सिंह पन्नू)
Primary Role
Founder & Chairman, NIFAA (India)
National Honour
National Youth Award (Govt. of India, 2008)
Birthplace
Village Mehmal, District Karnal, Haryana
Profession
Lawyer, Entrepreneur & Social Activist
NIFAA Footprint
28 States & Union Territories (Founded 2000)
Flagship Outreach
Desh Ki Baat (10+ Lakh Students Reached)
Headquarters
65-L, Model Town, Karnal, Haryana
From Village Mehmal to a 28-State National Movement
Raised on stories of warriors and freedom fighters by his mother, Pritpal Singh Pannu developed a lifelong commitment to selfless public service from childhood.
Early Grassroots Leadership (Age 11 to College Years)
Born in Village Mehmal, Karnal, Pannu overcame humble beginnings—studying under a lantern and cycling long distances for labour work to fund his education. At just 11 years old, he became Pradhan of the Naujwan Sikh Dal Sewa Organisation, and during his college days he founded the Yuva Sadbhawna Samiti with fellow students.
Foundation of NIFAA (2000) & National Youth Award (2008)
In 2000, he laid the foundation of NIFAA (National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists) to unite artists and social activists on a common platform. After receiving the prestigious National Youth Award from the Government of India in 2008, he expanded NIFAA into a national powerhouse across 28 States and Union Territories, inspiring thousands of youth volunteers across India.
Key Positions & Institutional Leadership
National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists (NIFAA), India
India Mauritius Trade & Cultural Friendship Forum
District Hockey Association, Karnal
International Sikh Forum
District Fencing Association
Lok Adalat & Telephone Advisory Committee (Ministry of Telecommunication)
Global Representation & National Campaigns
JICA Community Development Training (Japan)
Completed a 20-day intensive Community Development Training Program hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Japan, alongside organizing Indian artists' painting exhibitions across Japan, USA, Russia, and Mauritius.
Global Conferences (USA, Canada, Austria & Australia)
Represented Indian civil society at International Conferences on AIDS in Austria (2010), Washington D.C., USA (2012), Melbourne, Australia (2014), and Montreal, Canada (2022), plus GOPIO's Diaspora Conference in New York.
India–Mauritius Global Partnership & Cultural Summits
Spearheaded the India Mauritius Global Partnership Summit, a two-day bilateral Agricultural Conference in Mauritius, and international delegations for Vishav Hindi Diwas and International Gita Mahotsav.
Desh Ki Baat & Grassroots Humanitarian Service
Reached over 10 Lakh students through the annual '26 November se 26 January — Desh Ki Baat' campaign, while leading rehabilitation and welfare initiatives in rural areas, prisons, orphanages, and for acid attack survivors and differently-abled individuals ('Yes We Can' festival in Russia).
“Recognizing that every form of art can influence society positively, NIFAA serves as the canvas for change—uniting artists and activists on a common platform for the nation.”
Pritpal Singh Pannu
Founder & Chairman, NIFAA | National Youth Awardee
Frequently Asked Questions About Pritpal Singh Pannu
1Who is Pritpal Singh Pannu?
Pritpal Singh Pannu is a prominent social worker, lawyer, entrepreneur, and the Founder & Chairman of NIFAA (National Integrated Forum of Artists and Activists), headquartered in Karnal, Haryana. He was conferred the prestigious National Youth Award by the Government of India in 2008.
2When did Pritpal Singh Pannu establish NIFAA?
Pritpal Singh Pannu founded NIFAA in the year 2000 with the vision of uniting artists and youth activists on a single platform for positive social transformation. Today, NIFAA operates across 28 states and union territories of India.
3What is Pritpal Singh Pannu's early background?
Born in Village Mehmal in Karnal district, he grew up in a modest one-room home, studying under a lantern and cycling long distances to support his education. At age 11, he became Pradhan of the Naujwan Sikh Dal Sewa Organisation and later founded the Yuva Sadbhawna Samiti during his college years.
4What major positions and international forums has Pritpal Singh Pannu led?
Alongside serving as Chairman of NIFAA, he serves as President of the India Mauritius Trade & Cultural Friendship Forum, President of District Hockey Association Karnal, General Secretary of the International Sikh Forum, Working President of District Fencing Association, and has represented India across the USA, Canada, Japan, Russia, Austria, Australia, and Mauritius.