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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Giani Gargaj pushes for unity as Taksal to oppose his Akal Takht address during Op Bluestar anniversary event
A day after the announcement by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma regarding preventing acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from delivering a message from the platform of Akal Takht during an event marking Operation Bluestar anniversary on June 6, Gargaj called for panthic unity on Sunday. The announcement has left the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) worried as in such a situation, it may be challenging for it to maintain peace during the commemoration. On Monday, an SGPC delegation, led by president Harjinder Singh Dhami, will meet the Damdami Taksal chief. Reiterating that Gargaj's appointment was not made in accordance with the Sikh 'rehat maryada' (code of conduct), Dhumma had on Saturday said the community does not accept Gargaj as a legitimate jathedar, and any attempt by him to deliver a message would be strongly opposed by the Damdami Taksal and other Sikh organisations,' he said. Meanwhile, Simranjit Singh Mann, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), said any attempt to silence Giani Gargaj is unjust and divisive. 'We will not allow such a misconduct. Sri Akal Takht Sahib is Sikhs' spiritual throne. Here, we must gather with humility and respect to remember our martyrs through prayer,' he said. 'From Abdali to Indira Gandhi, many have attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but it has always stood firm. We urge Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma to uphold the sanctity of this Takht and show seriousness and respect in his statements,' he said. An SGPC official, requesting anonymity, said, 'Maintaining peace during the event will be a big challenge.' Harjinder Singh Dhami will lead an SGPC delegation to meet Dhumma on Monday. In a press release issued by the SGPC office, he stated that the purpose of the meeting with the head of Damdami Taksal is to strengthen the panthic unity and to prevent any kind of confrontation during the event. Dhami admitted to being concerned about the current situation but expressed confidence in finding a meaningful resolution. Meanwhile, Giani Gargaj also appealed to the entire Sikh community to commemorate these days with the spirit of panthic unity and pay respectful homage to the 'martyrs'. He said, 'The Sikh community can never forget the military attack of June 1984. The first week of June each year is a deeply emotional and solemn time for the Panth, when martyrs are remembered. These martyrs sacrificed their lives for the nation, and they will always hold a place of utmost respect in the hearts of the Sikhs'. Gargaj said, 'From time to time, certain forces have covertly attempted to prevent the Sikh community from remembering the martyrs of June 1984 and to sow division within the Khalsa Panth. However, the community has always remembered its martyrs with unwavering spirit (chardi kala) and will continue to do so. The panth needs unity, not division.'
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SGPC accuses Punjab government of ‘altering Golden Temple' image in an ad
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, on Saturday condemned the Punjab government for altering the image of Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) through computer-generated techniques in an advertisement issued to solicit suggestions regarding upcoming centenary commemorations. 'This act by the government is a serious affront to Sikh sentiments. Before publishing any image related to the Sikh faith, the government should have consulted the SGPC,' Dhami said, adding that Harmandar Sahib is the spiritual centre of Sikh devotion. Also Read | After Rajoana's objection, SGPC puts decision on Manmohan's portrait on hold The SGPC chief further stated that despite hundreds of authentic images of Harmandar Sahib being available on the internet, the government's decision to distort one through digital manipulation is deeply painful. Also Read | Akal Takht pardons Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale 'The government should issue a clear explanation and offer an immediate apology,' he said and clarified that organising centenary events is the responsibility of the Sikh body, the SGPC. 'The government's role is to support development in cities associated with the gurus, improve infrastructure, and collaborate with the SGPC to appropriately establish commemorative memorials.'
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SGPC team to check reports of conversions in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit
Amritsar: Expressing concern over reports of religious conversion involving some members of the Sikh community in Uttar Pradesh 's Pilibhit, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Saturday said it was completely unacceptable to forcibly convert followers of any religion through inducement or coercion. In a release issued here on Saturday, Dhami said according to available information, families living in villages on the India-Nepal border region were reportedly misled under false promises of medical treatment, monetary inducements, and pressure, exploiting their ignorance and vulnerability. He said although many families denied converting or being involved in any such activity, SGPC was sending a team of Sikh preachers under the leadership of the in-charge of the SGPC Sikh Mission in Uttar Pradesh to investigate the issue. The team will conduct an inquiry and submit a detailed report. He also urged the Uttar Pradesh govt to take action against persons or groups involved in religious conversions carried out through deceit or inducement.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt altered image of Golden Temple in ad: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami
Amritsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Saturday accused the Punjab govt of altering the image of Golden Temple through computer-generated techniques in an ad issued to solicit suggestions regarding upcoming centenary commemorations. He called the act "a serious affront to Sikh sentiments". In a statement, Dhami emphasised that before publishing any image related to the Sikh faith, govt should have consulted the SGPC. He said Sri Harmandar Sahib is the spiritual centre of Sikh devotion, and Sikhs around the world hold the sacred image of this shrine deep within their hearts. "By presenting an AI-generated distorted image, the advertisement not only disrespected Sikh reverence and belief, but also made a shallow attempt to diminish the spiritual aura of Sri Darbar Sahib," he said. The SGPC president stated that despite hundreds of authentic images of Darbar Sahib being available on the internet, the govt's decision to distort one through AI was "deeply painful". He asked the state govt to issue a clear explanation and offer an immediate apology. Dhami also clarified that organising centenary events was the responsibility of the Sikh body, the SGPC.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab govt altered image of Golden Temple in ad, ‘serious affront' to Sikh sentiments: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Harjinder Singh Dhami
1 2 3 4 5 6 Amritsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Saturday accused the Punjab govt of altering the image of Golden Temple through computer-generated techniques in an ad issued to solicit suggestions regarding upcoming centenary commemorations. He called the act "a serious affront to Sikh sentiments". In a statement, Dhami emphasised that before publishing any image related to the Sikh faith, govt should have consulted the SGPC. He said Sri Harmandar Sahib is the spiritual centre of Sikh devotion, and Sikhs around the world hold the sacred image of this shrine deep within their hearts. "By presenting an AI-generated distorted image, the advertisement not only disrespected Sikh reverence and belief, but also made a shallow attempt to diminish the spiritual aura of Sri Darbar Sahib," he said. The SGPC president stated that despite hundreds of authentic images of Darbar Sahib being available on the internet, the govt's decision to distort one through AI was "deeply painful". He asked the state govt to issue a clear explanation and offer an immediate apology. Dhami also clarified that organising centenary events was the responsibility of the Sikh body, the SGPC. He added the govt's role was to support development in cities associated with the gurus, improve infrastructure, and collaborate with the SGPC to appropriately establish commemorative memorials.
