Akal Takht summons Punjab minister Harjot Bains, languages dept director over dancing at martyrdom event

Time of India

26-07-2025

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Amritsar: Taking cognisance of complaints over a state-organised Sufi-singing event in Srinagar to mark the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Saturday issued summons to Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains and the director of the state languages department, Jaswant Singh, to appear before the five Sikh high priests at Akal Takht on Aug 1 to give a clarification on the issue.
The summon came even as the minister had already announced to appear barefoot at the Akal Takht in a gesture of humility.
Giani Gargaj slammed the continued silence of the minister and director, stating that despite the passage of considerable time, they neither offered any clarification nor apology for the controversial event that hurt Sikh sentiments. He said their refusal to respond reflected a disturbing disregard for community emotions and warned those holding constitutional positions carried an even greater responsibility to uphold public trust.
The Punjab languages department recently organised an event in Srinagar to mark the martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh master, Guru Tegh Bahadur. During the programme, Punjabi singer Bir Singh performed. Video footage showed attendees, including women, dancing to his songs—an act that drew widespread criticism from the
Sikh community
for its perceived irreverence.
The latest controversy comes at a time when the AAP govt in Punjab and Akal Takht are already embroiled in a war of words over events planned in the state to mark the martyrdom.
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Bir Singh appeared at Akal Takht on Saturday, met Giani Gargaj, and tendered an apology. However, a decision on his apology is yet to be announced by the Akal Takht.
Giani Gargaj condemned the event, stating it was the first time in history that a programme dedicated to the martyrdom of a guru began with singing, dancing, and entertainment—something he described as completely unacceptable. "The Aug 1 gathering of the Sikh clergy will deliberate on panthic and religious matters, and both Harjot Singh and Jaswant Singh have been summoned to present their side," he said.
He added the apology submitted by singer Bir Singh—against whom several complaints were also received—will be reviewed and considered by Sikh clergy during the upcoming meeting.
Bagicha Singh, in charge of the Akal Takht Secretariat, informed that official summons have been issued to Harjot Singh and Jaswant Singh, directing them to appear and present their explanations.
Bains: 'I seek forgiveness'
Soon after being summoned by the Akal Takht, Bains put out a post on his X account, stating that he humbly accepted the command of Akal Takht.
He explained that the languages department recently organised the event in Srinagar during which prominent intellectuals and scholars shared Gurmat insights. He confirmed that Bir Singh was invited to perform at the event.
Bains acknowledged that due to an unintentional oversight by the organisers, certain incidents occurred during the programme. "As a Sikh and a minister, I seek forgiveness," he wrote. "As a humble Sikh, I accept the command of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and will appear barefoot to present myself. Acknowledging our moral responsibility, I will be bound to obey every directive issued henceforth," he said.