Latest news with #GianiRaghbirSingh
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
All Sikh takhts important, but Akal Takht supreme, says resolution at SGPC meeting
Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), in a special meeting called on Tuesday, said that all five takhts of Sikhism were important, but the panth (community) collectively recognised the supremacy of the Akal Takht. The SGPC concluded that panthic-level decisions were deliberated and finalised by the Panj Singh Sahiban (five Sikh high priests) at Akal Takht, while the other takhts were empowered to address local issues as per the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct). The meeting — during which the Sikh body also condemned regular paroles given to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Raim — was held at Teja Singh Samuandari Hall at the SGPC complex. It was attended by Golden Temple head granthi Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, and nearly 100 SGPC members. "While each takht has its own historical and regional significance, the Akal Takht, established by Guru Hargobind Sahib, is the sovereign spiritual authority for Sikhs. It serves not only as the supreme religious institution but also provides guidance on panthic and political matters," said the resolution passed during the meeting. Through the resolution, SGPC appealed to the jathedars of all takhts to ensure panthic traditions were not overlooked in taking decisions. It added that panthic-level issues must be resolved at Akal Takht, and no interference should occur in local matters of the other takhts without consultation. If such matters arise, decisions should only be made after thorough discussion involving the respective takht's jathedar. In the absence of consensus, no hasty decisions should be taken, said the resolution. Except in urgent situations, meetings of the Panj Singh Sahiban should be announced a few days in advance. If a jathedar from a takht is unable to attend, a Singh sahib from Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) may be included as per the resolution passed by Akal Takht on Nov 19, 2003, said the resolution. Dhami said in the meeting, SGPC also condemned several developments, including the alleged increasing influence of RSS in universities, Punjab govt's bills on sacrilege, and state's decision to organise events to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadar parallel to traditional Sikh institutions.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
SGPC passes resolution to uphold honour of Takhts
Agency: Amritsar, Aug 5 (PTI) The SGPC on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Jathedars or head priests to uphold the traditional honour, authority, and spiritual significance of the 'takhts' – the highest Sikh institutions. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee held a special general meeting which was attended by head 'granthi' of Harmandar Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, and nearly 100 SGPC members here. According to a statement, they discussed the dignity and reverence of the takhts and unanimously passed a resolution urging the Jathedars to uphold the traditional honour, authority, and spiritual significance of these highest Sikh institutions. The resolution, presented by the SGPC president, emphasised that the Takhts are the supreme institutions of the Sikh 'Panth' (community) that provide religious, spiritual, moral, and Panthic leadership in accordance with Sikh history, Gurbani, and Gurmat (Guru's wisdom) traditions. While each 'Takht' has its own historical and regional significance, the resolution stressed that all five Takhts operate under one uniform 'gurmat maryada' (code of conduct) and the will of the Guru. The resolution reiterated that the Akal Takht serves not only as the supreme religious institution but also provides guidance on panthic and political matters. While all five Takhts are important in their own right, the 'Panth' collectively recognizes the supremacy of the Akal Takht. Panthic-level decisions are deliberated and finalized by the five 'Singh Sahiban' Akal Takht, while the other Takhts may address local issues as per the Sikh 'rehat maryada'. Accordingly, the SGPC general meeting appealed to the Jathedars to ensure that 'panthic' traditions are not overlooked while making any decisions. The panthic-level issues must be resolved at the Akal Takht, and no interference should occur in local matters of the other Takhts without consultation. If such matters arise, decisions should only be made after thorough discussion involving the respective Takht's Jathedar. In the absence of consensus, no hasty decisions should be taken. Except in urgent situations, meetings of the five 'Singh Sahiban' (high priests) should be announced a few days in advance. If a Jathedar from a Takht is unable to attend, a Singh Sahib from Harmandar Sahib may be included. Notably, a standoff arose between the Akal Takht in Amritsar and the Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar last month after the latter declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and the jathedars (high priests) of the Akal Takht and Takht Damdama Sahib guilty of religious misconduct. The standoff was resolved after the Takht Patna Sahib withdrew all previous edicts and the Akal Takht too withdrew edicts declaring three members of the Takht Patna Sahib guilty of religious misconduct. There are five temporal seats of Sikhism and Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar is one of them. The Akal Takht in Amritsar is the supreme temporal seat. Meanwhile, the SGPC meeting also condemned the Punjab government's bills on sacrilege, the state's decision to organize 'Gurmat' events on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur in parallel to traditional Sikh institutions, and the repeated granting of parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Besides Dhami, former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, members Rajinder Singh Mehta, Amarjit Singh Chawla, Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Jaswant Singh Purain, Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, also addressed the gathering. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dhami said the session was convened on a highly important issue, and all speakers contributed sincerely and meaningfully. He thanked all the SGPC members and expressed hope for continued support in the future. Discussing the resolution, he stated that it is crucial in the current context to ensure that the honour and dignity of the Takhts are not compromised. It is vital to preserve the glorious traditions, principles, practices, collective pride, and significance of Sikh community institutions in their true essence. PTI JMS CHS ZMN (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SGPC passes resolution to uphold honour of Takhts
Amritsar, The SGPC on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution urging the Jathedars or head priests to uphold the traditional honour, authority, and spiritual significance of the 'takhts' - the highest Sikh institutions. SGPC passes resolution to uphold honour of Takhts The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee held a special general meeting which was attended by head 'granthi' of Harmandar Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, and nearly 100 SGPC members here. According to a statement, they discussed the dignity and reverence of the takhts and unanimously passed a resolution urging the Jathedars to uphold the traditional honour, authority, and spiritual significance of these highest Sikh institutions. The resolution, presented by the SGPC president, emphasised that the Takhts are the supreme institutions of the Sikh 'Panth' that provide religious, spiritual, moral, and Panthic leadership in accordance with Sikh history, Gurbani, and Gurmat traditions. While each 'Takht' has its own historical and regional significance, the resolution stressed that all five Takhts operate under one uniform 'gurmat maryada' and the will of the Guru. The resolution reiterated that the Akal Takht serves not only as the supreme religious institution but also provides guidance on panthic and political matters. While all five Takhts are important in their own right, the 'Panth' collectively recognizes the supremacy of the Akal Takht. Panthic-level decisions are deliberated and finalized by the five 'Singh Sahiban' Akal Takht, while the other Takhts may address local issues as per the Sikh 'rehat maryada'. Accordingly, the SGPC general meeting appealed to the Jathedars to ensure that 'panthic' traditions are not overlooked while making any decisions. The panthic-level issues must be resolved at the Akal Takht, and no interference should occur in local matters of the other Takhts without consultation. If such matters arise, decisions should only be made after thorough discussion involving the respective Takht's Jathedar. In the absence of consensus, no hasty decisions should be taken. Except in urgent situations, meetings of the five 'Singh Sahiban' should be announced a few days in advance. If a Jathedar from a Takht is unable to attend, a Singh Sahib from Harmandar Sahib may be included. Notably, a standoff arose between the Akal Takht in Amritsar and the Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar last month after the latter declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and the jathedars of the Akal Takht and Takht Damdama Sahib guilty of religious misconduct. The standoff was resolved after the Takht Patna Sahib withdrew all previous edicts and the Akal Takht too withdrew edicts declaring three members of the Takht Patna Sahib guilty of religious misconduct. There are five temporal seats of Sikhism and Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar is one of them. The Akal Takht in Amritsar is the supreme temporal seat. Meanwhile, the SGPC meeting also condemned the Punjab government's bills on sacrilege, the state's decision to organize 'Gurmat' events on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur in parallel to traditional Sikh institutions, and the repeated granting of parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Besides Dhami, former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, members Rajinder Singh Mehta, Amarjit Singh Chawla, Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Jaswant Singh Purain, Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, also addressed the gathering. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dhami said the session was convened on a highly important issue, and all speakers contributed sincerely and meaningfully. He thanked all the SGPC members and expressed hope for continued support in the future. Discussing the resolution, he stated that it is crucial in the current context to ensure that the honour and dignity of the Takhts are not compromised. It is vital to preserve the glorious traditions, principles, practices, collective pride, and significance of Sikh community institutions in their true essence. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
27-07-2025
- 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
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Giani Raghbir does a U-turn, honours Gargaj with siropa
1 2 Amritsar: Akal Takht former jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, who is the serving head granthi of Golden Temple and had condemned the procedure used to appoint Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as the officiating jathedar just months ago, has now extended support to the man he once opposed. "The head granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple), Giani Raghbir Singh, extended a special honour to the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht and jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, by inviting him to his residence at Sri Darbar Sahib and presenting him with a siropa (robe of honour) as a mark of deep respect," said a spokesperson of the Akal Takht secretariat on Saturday. He assured Gargaj of support at every level, so that all panthic affairs may continue to be conducted in the spirit of unity and collective Sikh consciousness. To validate his "truce", Giani Raghbir said throughout Sikh history, there had always been a harmonious and respectful relationship between the granthi of Harmandar Sahib and Akal Takht jathedar, as he recalled the relationship between first granthi Baba Buddha and first jathedar, Bhai Gurdas. "This tradition of mutual respect, cooperation, and coordination must continue," he said. On March 7, the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) removed Giani Raghbir as the jathedar of the Akal Takht and Giani Sultan Singh as the jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was appointed the jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib and given the additional charge of officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht. Sikh bodies such as Damdami Taksal and Nihang Singh organizstions has opposed the procedure adopted for the appointment. The sudden shift has sparked questions within panthic circles about reasons for the change of heart. A former jathedar of Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, said there seemed to be politics behind what was happening. "Giani Raghbir Singh opposed the procedure of appointing Giani Gargaj, calling it a violation of maryada. Has that violation now been rectified? No, it has not," he said. "This U-turn is driven by leaders of a prominent Sikh political party, especially ahead of the Tarn Taran byelection and the upcoming 2027 assembly elections, to present a united front so that the panth does not perceive any differences within the clergy," he added. He claimed that certain facilities given to Giani Raghbir Singh by SGPC were withdrawn in recent past and these could have also pressured him to strike a "truce" with Giani Gargaj. He former jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Kewal Singh, said the party controlling SGPC was behind what he a called a "so-called truce". He said this set a dangerous precedent for future.
