Latest news with #GianiGargaj
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Dhian Singh Mand rejects Giani Gargaj as Akal Takht jathedar
Amritsar: Dhian Singh Mand, the parallel officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht appointed during a Sikh gathering held under the banner of Sarbat Khalsa in 2015, has rejected the authority of Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar appointed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in March, and questioned the legitimacy of Gargaj's move to summon Sikhs to the Akal Takht, stating that any edicts or directions issued by him hold no legitimacy and are not binding on the Sikh Panth. "We have discussed this matter and reached the conclusion that Giani Gargaj has no authority to summon any Sikh to the Akal Takht or to take decisions on Panthic matters, especially when his own appointment remains controversial," Mand said on Wednesday According to sources, the trigger for the parallel leadership's response was the summoning of Punjab cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains and the director of the language department, Jaswant Singh. Jarnail Singh Sakhira, chief organiser, Sarbat Khalsa, emphasised that a major number of Sikh organisations have opposed the procedure adopted by the SGPC to appoint Giani Gargaj. "Damdami Taksal, led by Harnam Singh Dhumma, has been vocal in its rejection of Giani Gargaj's appointment. Not only the Taksal, but the Sant Samaj and various Nihang groups have also passed resolutions declaring his appointment invalid, citing violations of Sikh principles and traditions," said Sakhira. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swelling and internal bleeding in the brain, help this baby Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Sources said that the controversy surrounding Giani Gargaj's appointment has exposed the deepening tensions between the SGPC and the broader Panthic bodies. Interestingly, Giani Raghbir Singh, former Akal Takht jathedar and Golden Temple head granthi, who earlier criticised the manner of Gargaj's appointment, has now hosted and honoured him at his residence. When asked about the apparent truce, Mand dismissed it as occurring under "suspicious circumstances." "How can Giani Raghbir Singh honour someone whose appointment he himself previously condemned as a violation of maryada (Sikh religious code)?" Mand questioned. MSID:: 122998162 413 |
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Akal Takht ex-jathedar honours Giani Gargaj
Golden Temple head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh on Saturday extended a special honour to acting Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj by inviting him to his residence at the shrine complex and giving him 'siropa' (robe of honours) as a mark of deep respect. Golden Temple granthi Giani Sultan Singh also honoured Giani Gargaj, jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, with a siropa. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj being honoured in Amritsar. (HT photo) Giani Raghbir Singh, who was removed from the post of the Akal Takht jathedar a few months ago, remarked that throughout Sikh history, there has always been a harmonious and respectful relationship with the granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple). He emphasised that this tradition of mutual respect, cooperation and coordination must continue. He assured Giani Gargaj of his support at every level so that all 'Panthic' affairs may continue to be conducted in the spirit of unity and collective Sikh consciousness. Giani Gargaj thanked both for their gesture and support. Giani Raghbir Singh was removed as Akal Takht jathedar by the SGPC allegedly in wake of December 2 edict of the Sikh clergy led by him that called for change of the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership, also comprising Sukhbir Singh Badal, and constituted a panel to reorganise the party, besides stripping Sukhbir's father and former CM Parkash Singh Badal of the 'Panth Rattan-Fakhr-e-Qaum' title. He had also objected to the installation ceremony of Giani Gargaj and termed it as violation of Panthic maryada.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj hails Fauja Singh's ‘undefeated' run of life
Amritsar: The officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, offered respect to the legendary marathoner Fauja Singh during his antim ardas (last prayers) at Gurdwara Babae Shaheedan, Sarmastpur, Jalandhar, on Wednesday. According to a release issued by the Akal Takht secretariat, the jathedar said Fauja Singh remained undefeated even at the age of 114, and the day he passed away, he was still out walking. He began running in the later stages of his life — a race that never truly ended, the release quoted Giani Gargaj as saying. Fauja Singh left behind a legacy that inspires not only the youth but all of us. His life is a message that if we align ourselves with nature, improve our habits, and lead a disciplined life, we can avoid illnesses, never truly grow old, and achieve great heights, said the jathedar. He further said Fauja Singh represented India at an international level, participated in marathons across the globe, and won numerous awards. Emphasising that Fauja Singh never compromised on his Sikh identity, Giani Gargaj said once, when he was asked not to run wearing his turban, he firmly responded that while he may not run, he would never remove his turban and eventually ran the race with his turban proudly in place. He elevated the Sikh identity globally through his character and his turban, he added. Giani Gargaj suggested that today's youth must draw lessons from Fauja Singh's life — to stay away from drugs and embrace the "intoxication" of Gurbani, good deeds, and simple living, informed the release. MSID:: 122862689 413 |
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Order investigation into ‘fake encounters': Jathedar to guv
Amritsar L Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj urged Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria to order a probe into alleged fake encounters by Punjab Police. Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria being honoured by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj at Anandpur Sahib on Friday. The governor, who visited Anandpur Sahib on Friday, was honoured with a 'siropa' (robe of honour), shawl and a photo of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, by Giani Gargaj, who is also the jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member (SGPC) member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The governor, after paying obeisance at the Takht Kesgarh Sahib Gurdwara, met with jathedar Gargaj, who pointed out the growing pattern of alleged police encounters involving suspects, particularly in connection with the murder of Abohar businessman. Giani Gargaj stressed that such incidents had raised questions about the legitimacy of these encounters. 'Several encounters in the past seven months follow a disturbingly similar pattern — suspects allegedly firing at the police during interrogation, leading to their death in retaliation. Punishment should be left to the courts, not the police,' said Gargaj, calling for an immediate end to extrajudicial killings. The jathedar noted the recent killings of two youths linked to the Abohar murder case, whose families have claimed the encounters were 'fake' and are now seeking justice. Gargaj reiterated that these alleged practices should be curbed to prevent Punjab from turning into a 'police state.' In response, Kataria listened attentively to the concerns raised by the jathedar and assured that appropriate action would be taken to address the issue, according to a spokesperson. The Jathedar also took the opportunity to raise other pressing issues affecting the state, including the proposed construction of a paper factory near Chamkaur Sahib. He warned that the factory would pose a significant environmental risk to the sacred site, associated with the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's elder sons. On a spiritual note, Giani Gargaj highlighted the need for nationwide and global recognition of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, emphasising the Guru's principles of human rights and religious freedom. He called on both the Punjab and central governments to collaborate with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for meaningful commemorations. The jathedar also urged the governor to support the creation of stricter laws to prevent the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, which holds a unique and living status for Sikhs. He called for special legal protection for the holy scripture and harsher punishment for any acts of disrespect or desecration.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Row after Sukhbir declared ‘tankhaiya': Golden Temple head granthi extends support to jathedar Giani Gargaj
Amid the ongoing confrontation with 'panj pyaras' (five beloved ones of Guru) of Takht Patna Sahib, estranged head granthi of the Golden Temple Giani Raghbir Singh on Sunday extended support to Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting jathedar of Akal Takht. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj paying obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple in presence of head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh in Amritsar on Sunday. (HT Photo) A day after denouncing the Takht Patna Sahib 'panj pyaras' move to declare Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for failing to appear before them, Giani Gargaj paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple during presence of Giani Raghbir Singh. Giani Raghbir Singh, ever since being removed as Akal Takht jathedar unceremoniously a few months ago by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee, has avoided meeting his successor. However, on Sunday he wished Giani Gargaj with folded hands when the latter paid obeisance. He also presented Giani Gargaj with a 'siropa' (robe of honour), garland of flowers and prasad. In an official communique, a spokesperson of the Akal Takht secretariat termed this gesture as an act of backing and cooperating with the acting jathedar on the matter of Akal Takht's supremacy. The official statement claimed that during the meeting of Sikh clergy presided over by Giani Gargaj at Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, over the issue, Giani Raghbir Singh extended his support by sending his junior granthis—Giani Sultan Singh, Giani Rajdeep Singh and Giani Kewal Singh—for the meeting. Giani Raghbir Singh has been unhappy since he was removed by the SAD-controlled gurdwara body allegedly in wake of December 2 edict of the Sikh clergy led by him, that called for change of the party leadership, comprising Sukhbir Singh Badal, and constituted a panel to reorganise the party, besides stripping Sukhbir's father and former CM Parkash Singh Badal title of 'Panth Rattan-Fakhr-e-Qaum'. On Saturday, Sikh clergy from Akal Takht rejected the Patna Sahib's edict that declared Sukhbir tankhaiya for not responding to their summons. Earlier, the Bihar-based Sikh temporal seat had declared Giani Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Tek Singh Dhanaula tankhaiya.
