Latest news with #Jhinda
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
State-level nagar kirtans must have permission from Sri Akal Takht Sahib: HSGMC chief Jhinda
President of HSGMC, Jagdish Singh Jhinda, has urged that prior approval must be sought from Akal Takht Sahib before organizing any state-level nagar kirtan. KURUKSHETRA: President of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), Jagdish Singh Jhinda, has urged that prior approval must be sought from Akal Takht Sahib before organizing any state-level nagar kirtan (Sikh religious procession). He emphasized that this measure is necessary to preserve Sikh traditions and to prevent the misuse of religious sentiments and resources for personal or political gains. Speaking to the media at the HSGMC's headquarters in Kurukshetra, Jhinda expressed deep concern over the growing trend of organizing separate and unauthorized nagar kirtans under the pretext of celebrating and observing Sikh religious events. 'The Sikh Panth has always maintained a strong tradition of holding nagar kirtans on historical occasions, but today these are being manipulated for economic and political benefits,' he said. 'This is not only disrespectful but also a misuse of the Guru's wealth and the sentiments of the Sikh Sangat.' To address this, Jhinda said he has sent an official letter to Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like So sánh mức trượt giá: Hợp đồng tương lai (CFD) Bitcoin vs Ethereum IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo In the letter, they have appealed for a special joint meeting of key Sikh bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and other Sikh intellectuals and institutions. The goal of the meeting would be to hold a serious deliberation on the matter and then issue clear directives under the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Jhinda further stated that the letter requests Akal Takht Sahib to issue a Panthic directive requiring all Sikh management bodies and institutions to seek prior permission before organizing any state-level nagar kirtan. Moreover, he recommended that only one official Nagar Kirtan should be held at the state level for major events such as Gurpurbs or martyrdom anniversaries, where the entire Sikh community comes together under a single Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag), in the spirit of 'One Panth, One Granth. ' No parallel nagar kirtan should be allowed by any other group. He concluded by stating that such a directive from Akal Takht Sahib would uphold Guru Maryada (discipline), Panthic unity, and mutual respect and would prevent the exploitation of Sikh resources and emotions for personal motives.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Panel of 7 to now draft Haryana Sikh gurdwara body's '25-'26FY budget
Kurukshetra: A newly formed seven-member subcommittee has now been given the responsibility of preparing the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) budget for 2025-26 financial year. The announcement was made by HSGMC president Jagdish Singh Jhinda at the Kurukshetra HQ of the state Sikh body Thursday. He said the decision to form this committee was taken unanimously by the General House after the proposed Rs 104 crore budget was rejected due to significant gaps and the omission of several key points. The new committee will include representatives from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and the HSGMC's own auditor to ensure financial transparency. Jhinda said that audits will be conducted for the periods of 2014-2020, which was under his previous leadership, followed by the remaining years. To maintain accountability, all gurdwaras under HSGMC's jurisdiction have been directed to display their monthly expenditures and financial records publicly on notice boards, ensuring the Sikh congregation has access to all financial information. Meanwhile, Baljit Singh Daduwal, chairman of HSGMC's Dharam Prachar committee, expressed strong objection to a govt advertisement that referred to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur as "Veer Banda Bairagi". Speaking on the martyrdom anniversary of the revered Sikh general, Daduwal emphasised that the correct name — Baba Banda Singh Bahadur — must always be used in official communications. A resolution demanding a correction has been passed by the General House, and a formal letter will be sent to the Haryana govt, he said. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Daduwal commended Jhinda for observing it as a "Black Day," highlighting the oppression faced by Sikh leaders during that period. He also congratulated Harmeet Singh Kalka on his re-election as president of DSGMC. On the arrest of Bikram Singh Majithia, he said if the current Punjab govt acts unlawfully, it will be opposed, and that justice must prevail based on facts.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Seven-member committee to draft HSGMC budget for 2025–26: Jhinda
KURUKSHETRA: The annual budget for the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) for the financial year 2025–26 will now be prepared by a newly formed seven-member sub-committee said HSGMC President Jagdish Singh Jhinda at Kurukshetra headquarter of state Sikh body on Thursday. The decision to form this committee was taken unanimously by the General House after the proposed Rs 104 crore budget was rejected due to significant gaps and the omission of several key points. The new committee will include representatives from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and the HSGMC's own auditor to ensure financial transparency. Jhinda also stated that audits will be conducted for the periods of 2014–2020, which was under his previous leadership, followed by the remaining years. To maintain accountability, all gurdwaras under HSGMC's jurisdiction have been directed to display their monthly expenditures and financial records publicly on notice boards, ensuring the Sikh congregation has access to all financial information. Baljit Singh Daduwal, Chairman of HSGMC's Dharam Prachar Committee, expressed strong objection to a government advertisement that referred to Baba Banda Singh Bahadar as "Veer Banda Bairagi". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Soluções confiáveis para centros de dados IA Siemens Energy Saiba Mais Undo Speaking on the martyrdom anniversary of the revered Sikh general, Daduwal emphasized that the correct name—Baba Banda Singh Bahadar—must always be used in official communications. A resolution demanding a correction has been passed by the General House, and a formal letter will be sent to the Haryana government, he said. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Daduwal commended Jhinda for observing it as a 'Black Day,' highlighting the oppression faced by Sikh leaders during that period. He also congratulated Harmeet Singh Kalka on his re-election as President of DSGMC and addressed the arrest of Bikram Singh Majithia, stating that if the current Punjab government acts unlawfully, it will be opposed—but justice must prevail based on facts.
The Print
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
How move to mark 50th Emergency anniversary as ‘Black Day' has exposed cracks in Haryana Gurdwara panel
Now, the 'Black Day' decision spearheaded by newly elected HSGMC President Jagdish Singh Jhinda has ignited a fierce debate within the committee, exposing deep-seated factionalism and raising questions over adherence to governing principles under the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Act, 2014. Earlier this year, the 19 January HSGMC election, followed by the 13 May oath-taking of 49 members, completed the constitution of the body. New Delhi: The newly constituted Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) is grappling with internal discord over a decision to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency imposed on 25 June by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as 'Black Day' on 26 June. Jagdish Singh Jhinda, a prominent Sikh leader, has defended the decision to mark 'Black Day', arguing it is a necessary reminder of the 'murder of democracy' back during the Emergency when the Centre had imprisoned Opposition leaders and curtailed civil liberties. He also emphasised the historical significance of the Emergency, stating, 'Loktantra ki hatya ke din ko yaad rakhna zaroori hai. (It is essential to remember the day democracy was throttled)'. To honour those who suffered during the Emergency, the HSGMC has plans to felicitate ex-parliamentarians, social workers, others jailed during the Emergency, and their families in case the individuals are deceased. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Haryana's former CM Manohar Lal Khattar and current CM Nayab Singh Saini are among the high-profile political figures the committee has invited. The HSGMC has also scheduled an Akhand Paath Sahib, a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, on 24 June at the historic Gurdwara Patshahi Chhevin in Kurukshetra, with similar programmes planned across gurdwaras in Haryana. The date, 26 June, was chosen to accommodate the HSGMC general house meeting on 25 June—the 50th anniversary of the Emergency. Also Read: 'EVMs can be hacked'. Key panthic group in Haryana gurdwara committee poll fray calls for ballot voting Tribute to Sikh resistance against oppression Jhinda has framed the event as a tribute to the Sikh values of resistance against oppression, invoking the teachings of Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Nanak Dev Ji to justify the initiative. Jhinda told The Print Tuesday, 'Those opposing this event should explain why we celebrate the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Gobind Singh's Sahibzaades (sons), who Aurangzeb martyred to save his throne. This is about standing against injustice.' Quoting Guru Hargobind Sahib, Jhinda said, 'Raaj bina nahi dharam chale hai (Religion can't go without politics),' adding that the event was in line with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 'Sarbat da bhala (the welfare of all humanity)' as the Emergency worked against the principle of welfare of all. Under BJP's pressure, says Akal Panthak Morcha However, the decision HAS met with strong resistance from a significant faction within the HSGMC—particularly from members aligned with the Akal Panthak Morcha, led by Baldev Singh Kaimpuri and Prakash Singh Sahuwala. Sahuwala, a committee member from Sirsa, revealed that 20 out of the 49 HSGMC members, who owe allegiance to the Akal Panthak Morcha, have vowed to boycott the June 26 event. 'He (Jhinda) is holding this event under pressure from the BJP government in Haryana. He has not sought approval of his decision from the members and has unilaterally announced his event. None of our 20 members is going to attend this event,' he said. A senior Akal Panthak Morcha member, speaking anonymously, alleged that the event violated the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Act, 2014, which prohibited the use of committee funds for political purposes. 'No resolutions were passed in any committee meeting to hold this event. It is a unilateral decision by Jhinda,' the member stated, adding that their faction planned to seek legal recourse through the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Darshan Singh (retd), after 26 June if the event proceeds. In retaliation, Jhinda has branded his detractors as aligned with the Opposition, calling them 'Congress pichh-laggus (Congress stooges)', accusing them of undermining the HSGMC's autonomy and Sikh principles. 'Those who oppose this event are working on the directions of the Congress,' Jhinda told The Print. This exchange of accusations has deepened the rift within the HSGMC. Also Read: Weeks after CM Khattar brokers peace, factional war reignites in Haryana gurdwara body Manifestation of ongoing power struggle Since the HSGMC constitution, the internal conflict, a manifestation of ongoing power struggles, has been more intense. The HSGMC consists of 49 members: 40 elected members (elected in January 2025) and nine co‑opted (nominated) members, appointed in line with the HSGMC Act, 2014. The election saw 40 members directly elected by the Sikh community: 22 Independents, nine of them from Jhinda's Panthak Dal; six from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-backed Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal; and three from Didar Singh Nalvi's Sikh Samaj Sanstha. Subsequently, some Independents aligned with the Akal Panthak Morcha, and they, along with the six Sikh Panthak Dal members, claimed a majority, with 20 members. The nomination of the nine co-opted members, including controversial figure Baljit Singh Daduwal, tilted the balance in favour of Jhinda, who now enjoys the support of 29 members, including the nine the state government co-opted and owing allegiance to the state BJP government. The HSGMC constitution is the culmination of a decades-long struggle by Haryana's Sikh community for autonomy over their gurdwaras. Over the years preceding 2014, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in Amritsar, Punjab, managed the gurdwaras in Haryana. The demand for a separate body gained momentum in the early 2000s, with figures such as Jagdish Singh Jhinda and Didar Singh Nalvi leading the movement, arguing that Haryana's Sikh community needed independent control to address local, religious, and administrative needs. The movement faced significant resistance from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Punjab-based Sikh organisations, both of which viewed a separate body as a challenge to their authority. In 2014, under the then-Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Haryana government enacted the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Act, establishing the HSGMC, along with associated health and educational institutes in the state, to manage gurdwaras. An ad-hoc committee that Jhinda led from 2014 to 2020 oversaw the operations till the conduct of a formal election. The SGPC challenged the constitutional validity of the Act. However, in September 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the Act, paving the way for the HSGMC's formal establishment. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: A Haryana village is fighting ASI. A Mahabharata-era excavation is at stake
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Will manage gurdwaras in Haryana under Akal Takht Sahib's patronage: HSGMC president Jhinda
Newly elected president of Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) Jagdish Singh Jhinda said they are dedicated to Akal Takht Sahib and would serve the community and manage the gurdwaras in Haryana under its patronage. Accompanied by the HSGMC member and Sikh preacher Baljit Singh Daduwal, Jhinda was in Amritsar to pay obeisance at Golden Temple and Akal Takht to offer thanks and seek blessings of the almighty on Wednesday. Responding to a query on objection raised by Sikh prisoner Balwant Singh Rajoana over SGPC's proposal to display portrait of former Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh in Central Sikh Museum in Golden Temple complex, he said, 'There should no objection over the resolve as Manmohan Singh's contribution is unmatched on national and international level. He was a world-renowned economist. Being a devout Sikh, he brightened the name of the Sikhs across the world. So, his portrait should be installed in the museum'. Speaking on the conversion of Sikhs to Christianity, Jhinda said, 'The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is Sikh parliament and our apex body. However, it could not carry out dharam parchar properly. Thanks to its laxity, the Sikh brethren are being taken into the fold of Christianity, which is cause of concern for the community.'
