Akal Takht summons GNDU VC over remarks in presence of RSS chief, seeks clarification in 15 days
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Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has summoned Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) vice-chancellor Dr Karamjit Singh and asked him to submit a clarification within 15 days regarding the alleged objectionable remarks made by him during a function held in Kerala's Kochi.
Bagicha Singh, in-charge of the Akal Takht secretariat, said on Thursday that the Takht received numerous complaints against Dr Karamjit Singh following a viral video in which he purportedly made comments undermining the distinct identity of Sikhs at an event organised by the RSS-linked Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and Amrita University, reportedly in the context of research conducted under a Chair at the university.
In the video, the VC was heard speaking about the Sikh Gurus and the educational initiatives of the university, while Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat was seen seated on the stage.
Both Akal Takht and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took cognisance of the matter, with SGPC removing Karamjit Singh from the committee tasked with drafting service rules for the appointment and removal of the Jathedar of the Akal Takht.
Later, in a statement issued by the university, it was said that the VC attended the meeting upon receiving an official invitation from the organising association. During the event, according to the statement, he shared details about significant projects undertaken by the university, including digitisation initiative to promote Punjabi language, environmental campaigns, and efforts to spread Sikh consciousness.
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