Parkash Singh Badal (December 8, 1927-April 25, 2023) was an Indian politician and Sociolist who rose to become President (1996–2008) of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), a regional political party in Punjab. He also served five terms as the chief minister (head of government) of Punjab (1970–71, 1977–80, 1997–2002, 2007–12, and 2012–17). Throughout his long political career, Badal was seen as a moderate, even-tempered, and liberal leader, and both his public life and his private life had been generally noncontroversial.

On 11 December 2011, Badal was bestowed upon the title of Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum (literally "Jewel of the religion, pride of the community") by the Akal Takht. He was awarded this title at Golden Temple complex in the presence of Jathedars of all five Takhts in the form of a "siropa" (robe of honour), a sword and a silver plaque with inscription of the citation of Panth Rattan Fakhre-Qaum. He was given the Padma Vibhushan due to his contributions toward politics, agriculture, infrastructure and service to India by the Indian Government headed by Narendra Modi in March 2015. His contributions to the state, especially in the areas of agriculture, education and infrastructure development are exemplary.