Latest news with #AmritSanchar
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Akal Takht jathedar to Chief Khalsa Diwan members: Turn Amritdhari or face ouster
Amritsar: The officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, on Tuesday directed the members of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) — one of the oldest existing Sikh organisations — to become Amritdhari (initiated Sikhs) by Sept 1, failing which their membership will be terminated. Speaking to the media after a meeting with CKD's executive members, whom he summoned over complaints against them, the jathedar gave all members 41 days to undergo the Sikh initiation ceremony (Amrit Sanchar) and comply with maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct). "All members of CKD must be Amritdhari by Sept 1. Any member who is not initiated or who has deviated from Sikh discipline must rectify this within the stipulated period. Practices such as dyeing or curling the beard violate Sikh principles and are not acceptable," he said He emphasised that failure to comply will result in termination of CKD membership. To support this process, the Akal Takht will send Panj Piaras (the five beloved ones) to guide and conduct the Amrit Sanchar for those willing to take initiation, he added. Reaffirming that no act contrary to Gurmat (Guru's wisdom) or the Rehat Maryada will be tolerated, the jathedar said the constitutional requirement for CKD members to be Amritdhari was non-negotiable and cannot be amended under any circumstance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dolly Parton, 79, Takes off Her Makeup and Leaves Us Without Words The Noodle Box Undo Among those who appeared before the jathedar were CKD president Inderbir Singh Nijjar, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and former minister, along with 20 executive members of CKD. Gargaj said members who were absent from Tuesday's meeting must present themselves at the Akal Takht secretariat on Aug 1 to submit their explanation. Officially established in 2019, CKD is a year older than the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Akal Takht jathedar calls for Damdami Taksal unity to address religious conversions in Punjab
Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj , struggling to receive unanimous support across all sections of the panth due to the circumstances of his appointment, has appealed for unity among the three factions of the Damdami Taksal to help address religious conversions in Punjab. During his visit to the Gurdaspur region, Jathedar Gargaj expressed concern over the rising incidents of religious conversions, claiming he made stops at villages every 10km and witnessed large gatherings that highlighted the seriousness of the issue. Emphasising the need for unity, he said that the Panth should come together on the matter. He appealed to the Damdami Taksal factions led by Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma (Chowk Mehta), Bhai Ram Singh (Sangrawan), and Bhai Amrik Singh (Ajnala), along with other Sikh sampardayas, to unite in addressing and countering the growing challenge of conversions. Bhai Amrik Singh, chief, Damdami Taksal (Ajnala), said that unity is easier said than achieved, asserting that Jathedar Gargaj might not be fully aware of the reasons behind the split of the Taksal into three factions. He suggested that a deeper understanding of the circumstances leading to the division should precede such a call for unity. Regarding the issue of conversions, Bhai Amrik Singh said the Ajnala faction of the Damdami Taksal continues to actively organise "Amrit Sanchar" programmes as part of its efforts to strengthen Sikh values and identity. On the other hand, Avtar Singh Bhuttar, a close associate of Dhumma, said the Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta) has been actively engaged in preaching Sikhism and countering religious conversions. In addition to organising regular "Amrit Sanchar" ceremonies, he said the Taksal also launches month-long campaigns dedicated to the propagation of Sikh teachings. He further said that a special "Amrit Sanchar" initiative will be held from May 1 to 31, specifically aimed at addressing conversions. Rajandeep Singh, spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Sangrawan), could not be contacted for his comments. MSID:: 120484344 413 |
