Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal launches movement for Panth-approved jathedar appointments
Sikh community
to adopt a "Panth Parvanit" (Panth-approved) system for the appointment of jathedars of the Takhts to prevent embarrassing incidents, such as those witnessed in recent times.
Daduwal was here along with the HSGPC newly elected president Jagdish Singh Jhinda and its members to offer thanksgiving prayers at the Golden Temple.
It is already a matter of concern that the jathedars of Takht Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib are rarely invited to meetings of the Sikh high priests convened in Punjab Takhts to deliberate on Panthic issues, according to Daduwal.
The recent summoning of the jathedar of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), followed by the retaliatory declaration of the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj — who also serves as the jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib — and Baba Tek Singh, jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, as "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct), is deeply unfortunate and troubling, he added.
"Such actions not only send a negative message but also undermine the dignity and unity of the Sikh high clergy, causing embarrassment for the Panth as a whole," observed Daduwal.
Daduwal issued an appeal advocating for the appointment of jathedars through a process of collective and inclusive consultation. He emphasised the need for involving all significant Sikh religious bodies, including Sikh intellectuals, Nihang organisations, and others dedicated to the Sikh faith.
He called for the establishment of a system wherein jathedars are appointed through unanimous consensus, free from the influence of any single group or political party.
He said the HSGPC already initiated this movement and will continue to advance it both across India and internationally by engaging with Sikh intellectuals and religious bodies worldwide.
At the same time, Daduwal expressed the view that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should not remain under the control of any single political party. "Our opponents in the Shiromani Akali Dal tried their best, but the Sikhs of Haryana succeeded in removing them from the HSGPC. Similarly, there is a growing sentiment among Sikhs in Punjab who do not want to see the SGPC dominated by one political party," he added.
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