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News18
05-08-2025
- 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
05-08-2025
- 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.
The Print
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
SGPC hits back after Punjab CM Mann says Akalis reduced it to ‘Shiromani Golak' committee
The remarks not only reflect Mann's 'intellectual bankruptcy, but also exposes his arrogance and shallow understanding', Dhami said. Condemning Mann for his remarks, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami called them 'baseless, deeply hurtful to Sikh sentiments, and a blatant insult to the Sikh Panth's highest religious institution'. Amritsar, June 8 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday accused Akali leaders of reducing the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to 'Shiromani Golak Parbandhak Committee out of their greed for money'. Addressing a public gathering here, Mann alleged that the Badals 'misused' their political power to interfere in religious affairs, including 'manipulating the appointment of Jathedars of the Akal Takht to suit their personal interests'. 'Driven by financial motives, the Akalis have degraded the sanctity of the SGPC and misused it and the Akal Takht for narrow political gains,' Mann alleged. The chief minister also accused the Akali leaders of twisting the directives of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, to 'deceive the public and serve their own agendas'. 'The Akalis looted not only the state exchequer but also funds belonging to religious institutions. Its tenure was marked by political and religious exploitation, which caused significant harm to Punjab,' Mann said. 'The Akali leadership symbolised a legacy where the poor were neglected while the powerful looted the state with impunity,' he added. The Akalis 'exploited' the underprivileged and weaker sections of society, Mann alleged, adding that 'they are now facing the consequences of their actions'. Mann also claimed that the people of Punjab will never forgive the Akalis for the 'crimes' committed against the state and its residents. Assailing the traditional political parties for remaining 'insensitive' towards the welfare of economically weaker and underprivileged sections, Mann said these 'selfish' leaders always treated the Schedule Caste (SC) brethren merely as their vote banks. 'As rulers, the Akalis were completely insensitive towards the problems of the common man. They always treated the SC community as vote banks,' Mann claimed. Training his guns at his predecessors, the chief minister claimed they built huge palaces by 'amassing whopping wealth by misusing their official positions'. 'The Akali leaders remained inaccessible to the people due to which they were ousted,' Mann said. PTI COR CHS ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SGPC hits back after Punjab CM Mann says Akalis reduced it to 'Shiromani Golak' committee
Amritsar, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday accused Akali leaders of reducing the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to 'Shiromani Golak Parbandhak Committee out of their greed for money'. Condemning Mann for his remarks, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami called them 'baseless, deeply hurtful to Sikh sentiments, and a blatant insult to the Sikh Panth's highest religious institution'. The remarks not only reflect Mann's "intellectual bankruptcy, but also exposes his arrogance and shallow understanding', Dhami said. Addressing a public gathering here, Mann alleged that the Badals "misused" their political power to interfere in religious affairs, including "manipulating the appointment of Jathedars of the Akal Takht to suit their personal interests". 'Driven by financial motives, the Akalis have degraded the sanctity of the SGPC and misused it and the Akal Takht for narrow political gains," Mann alleged. The chief minister also accused the Akali leaders of twisting the directives of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, to "deceive the public and serve their own agendas'. 'The Akalis looted not only the state exchequer but also funds belonging to religious institutions. Its tenure was marked by political and religious exploitation, which caused significant harm to Punjab,' Mann said. 'The Akali leadership symbolised a legacy where the poor were neglected while the powerful looted the state with impunity,' he added. The Akalis "exploited" the underprivileged and weaker sections of society, Mann alleged, adding that 'they are now facing the consequences of their actions'. Mann also claimed that the people of Punjab will never forgive the Akalis for the "crimes" committed against the state and its residents. Assailing the traditional political parties for remaining "insensitive" towards the welfare of economically weaker and underprivileged sections, Mann said these "selfish" leaders always treated the Schedule Caste brethren merely as their vote banks. 'As rulers, the Akalis were completely insensitive towards the problems of the common man. They always treated the SC community as vote banks,' Mann claimed. Training his guns at his predecessors, the chief minister claimed they built huge palaces by "amassing whopping wealth by misusing their official positions". 'The Akali leaders remained inaccessible to the people due to which they were ousted,' Mann said.
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Akalis reduced SGPC to 'Shiromani Golak' committee: Punjab CM Mann
Amritsar, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday accused Akali leaders of reducing the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to 'Shiromani Golak Parbandhak Committee out of their greed for money'. Addressing a public gathering here, Mann alleged that the Badals "misused" their political power to interfere in religious affairs, including "manipulating the appointment of Jathedars of the Akal Takht to suit their personal interests". 'Driven by financial motives, the Akalis have degraded the sanctity of the SGPC and misused it and the Akal Takht for narrow political gains," Mann alleged. The chief minister also accused the Akali leaders of twisting the directives of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, to "deceive the public and serve their own agendas'. 'The Akalis looted not only the state exchequer but also funds belonging to religious institutions. Its tenure was marked by political and religious exploitation, which caused significant harm to Punjab,' Mann said. 'The Akali leadership symbolised a legacy where the poor were neglected while the powerful looted the state with impunity,' he added. The Akalis "exploited" the underprivileged and weaker sections of society, Mann alleged, adding that 'they are now facing the consequences of their actions'. Mann also claimed that the people of Punjab will never forgive the Akalis for the "crimes" committed against the state and its residents. Assailing the traditional political parties for remaining "insensitive" towards the welfare of economically weaker and underprivileged sections, Mann said these "selfish" leaders always treated the Schedule Caste brethren merely as their vote banks. 'As rulers, the Akalis were completely insensitive towards the problems of the common man. They always treated the SC community as vote banks,' Mann claimed. Training his guns at his predecessors, the chief minister claimed they built huge palaces by "amassing whopping wealth by misusing their official positions". 'The Akali leaders remained inaccessible to the people due to which they were ousted,' Mann said.
