Latest news with #Panthic
Hindustan Times
3 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
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Akal Takht Jathedar summons Punjab minister Harjot Bains over Srinagar programme
Akal Takht 's officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Saturday asked Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains to appear before five 'Singh Sahiban' (high priests) on August 1 in the wake of a controversy over a programme to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary the ninth Sikh Guru Guru Teg Bahadur in Srinagar. The development came a day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took strong objection to "entertainment performances" at the event on Thursday held by the Punjab Government's Language Department, calling it a direct affront to Sikh religious values . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Cybersecurity Management MCA Leadership Operations Management Project Management Public Policy PGDM Artificial Intelligence Product Management others healthcare Healthcare Design Thinking Data Science Others MBA Degree Digital Marketing CXO Technology Data Analytics Finance Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details The Jathedar of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs on Saturday also summoned the director of the state language department, Jaswant Singh. Meanwhile, Education Minister Bains said he will appear before the Akal Takht and will be bound to obey every order while accepting his moral responsibility. He said that whatever happened due to the negligence of the organisers, knowingly or unknowingly, in the event, he, as a Sikh cabinet minister, seeks forgiveness. Live Events Jathedar Giani Gargaj said that despite the passage of considerable time, neither the minister nor the director has clarified their position, nor have they issued any apology for hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community. In a statement, Gargaj emphasised that individuals holding constitutional positions have a greater responsibility towards society, and the silence of state officials on such a sensitive matter raises serious concerns. He said that it is for the first time in history that an event commemorating the martyrdom Shatabdi (centenary) of a Guru Sahib began with songs, dance, and entertainment, something entirely unacceptable. The Jathedar noted that the August 1 gathering will deliberate on 'Panthic' and religious matters, and both Harjot Singh and Jaswant Singh have been summoned to present their sides. He also mentioned that singer Bir Singh, against whom complaints were also received for his involvement, appeared before Akal Takht Sahib on Friday and tendered an apology, which too will be taken into consideration during the assembly of the five 'Singh Sahiban.' PTI CHS APL APL RT RT Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Akal Takht Jathedar summons Punjab minister Harjot Bains over Srinagar programme
Amritsar/Chandigarh, Jul 26 (PTI) Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Saturday asked Punjab Minister Harjot Singh Bains to appear before five 'Singh Sahiban' (high priests) on August 1 in the wake of a controversy over a programme to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary the ninth Sikh Guru Guru Teg Bahadur in Srinagar. The development came a day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took strong objection to 'entertainment performances" at the event on Thursday held by the Punjab Government's Language Department, calling it a direct affront to Sikh religious values. The Jathedar of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs on Saturday also summoned the director of the state language department, Jaswant Singh. Meanwhile, Education Minister Bains said he will appear before the Akal Takht and will be bound to obey every order while accepting his moral responsibility. He said that whatever happened due to the negligence of the organisers, knowingly or unknowingly, in the event, he, as a Sikh cabinet minister, seeks forgiveness. Jathedar Giani Gargaj said that despite the passage of considerable time, neither the minister nor the director has clarified their position, nor have they issued any apology for hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community. In a statement, Gargaj emphasised that individuals holding constitutional positions have a greater responsibility towards society, and the silence of state officials on such a sensitive matter raises serious concerns. He said that it is for the first time in history that an event commemorating the martyrdom Shatabdi (centenary) of a Guru Sahib began with songs, dance, and entertainment, something entirely unacceptable. The Jathedar noted that the August 1 gathering will deliberate on 'Panthic' and religious matters, and both Harjot Singh and Jaswant Singh have been summoned to present their sides. He also mentioned that singer Bir Singh, against whom complaints were also received for his involvement, appeared before Akal Takht Sahib on Friday and tendered an apology, which too will be taken into consideration during the assembly of the five 'Singh Sahiban.' PTI CHS APL APL RT RT view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:00 IST 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.
India Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Punjab, top Sikh body spar over events on Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom day
A fresh tussle has erupted in Punjab between the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-aligned Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). This time, the friction centres around their separate plans to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Guru of Monday, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that the state government's upcoming celebration has been scheduled from November 19 to 25, where the government will organise several events, including a major yatra starting from Srinagar, which will be flagged off by Chief Minister Bhagwant yatras from Punjab's Majha, Malwa, and Doaba regions will converge at Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the city will be turned into a white city to mark the day. However, the SGPC has voiced strong objections after the government announcement, calling the overlapping of events disruptive and disrespectful to Sikh traditions. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami accused the Mann government of intentionally sidelining Sikh institutions and calling for avoidable controversy with the Panth. 'Instead of following the cooperative spirit shown by earlier governments, this administration is intruding into Panthic affairs,' Dhami said.'SGPC, as the premier religious body of the Sikh community, holds the rightful authority to lead such historic religious commemorations in coordination with Sikh organisations and sangat (devotees). The role of governments should be to facilitate arrangements for the devotees—not to interfere in religious affairs,' Dhami told India response, CM Mann hit back at the SGPC on Tuesday, questioning if the body held a 'copyright' on organising events for Sikh Gurus. Mann also mentioned that during Prakash Singh Badal's government, similar events were hosted together by the SGPC and the SAD-led Punjab is not the first time that the SGPC or any government excluding SAD is in contradiction. The situation mirrors a similar conflict in 2019, when the SGPC clashed with the then Congress-led government over parallel events for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary, due in November, carries political weight ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls. For the SAD, struggling with internal divisions and a waning voter base, the commemorations represent a chance to reconnect with the public. Meanwhile, the AAP government seems determined to assert its role in religious and cultural the controversy, preparations are moving ahead at full pace. The state government expects over one crore devotees in Anandpur Sahib and plans to turn the city white for the occasion. A 'tent city' will be erected for visitors, and sound-and-light shows will be held across all 23 districts. Seminars in universities are also on the cards to spread awareness about Guru Tegh Bahadur's legacy. Coordination is underway with Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir to facilitate the SGPC has stated it will invite leaders from all states to its commemorative events, aiming for inclusivity. However, the body's secretary, Balwinder Singh, claimed he was unaware of any official communication with the Mann the two sides choose to reconcile and organise joint events, it could lead to the unlikely scenario of CM Mann sharing the stage with SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal—a politically sensitive prospect, given the SGPC's frequent criticisms of the AAP government.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mann govt vs SGPC one-upmanship flares up over Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day plans
The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has yet again locked horns with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-controlled Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), this time over their parallel events to be organised to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. A controversy erupted Tuesday after AAP Minister Harjot Singh Bains unveiled the government's plans to mark Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary. According to Bains, the state government would hold various events in this regard during November 19-25 this year. This would include a special yatra to be taken out from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir on November 19, which CM Mann would flag off. Separate yatras would start simultaneously from the Majha, Malwa and Doaba regions of Punjab and converge on Anandpur Sahib, the Minister said. However, the government's plans have not gone down well with the SGPC, which has been holding a series of its own events across the country since April to mark Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary. 'The overlapping programmes will not only cause confusion but also go against the long-standing traditions of the Khalsa Panth. The government must focus on creating meaningful memorials rather than adopting a confrontational approach,' SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said Tuesday, alleging that the Mann government's move appears to be a 'deliberate' bid to 'sideline' the Sikh institutions. Pointing out that previous governments had cooperated with the SGPC in commemorating such events and setting up memorials, Dhami asked why the AAP government had not shown the same 'seriousness' during its tenure. 'The current government is instead interfering in the jurisdiction of Panthic institutions and organisations,' he said. Hitting back, CM Mann asked whether the SGPC had a 'copyright' on holding events related to the Sikh Gurus. In 2019, the SGPC had clashed with the then Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress government over the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak over the government's proposal to hold separate events. The 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, which will fall in November, would provide the state's political players a major opportunity to reach out to the people in the run-up to the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls. The SAD in particular, whose electoral fortunes have plunged in recent years amid internal rifts, would look to revive its fortunes. If the AAP government and the SGPC resolve their differences and hold the events together, Mann may be forced to share the stage with SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The matter could become tricky for the SGPC itself as it has repeatedly targeted the AAP CM in the past. Despite the row, the Punjab government, which expects over a crore devotees to arrive in Anandpur Sahib, seems to be leaving no stone unturned in preparing for the events. It has planned to hold the sound-and-light shows across all 23 districts of the state apart from various seminars in universities to highlight the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur. As part of its preparations, the AAP government is also planning to transform Anandpur Sahib into a 'white city' and will also set up a 'tent city' to accommodate the visiting devotees. The government is also coordinating with its counterparts in Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir to ensure smooth conduct of the events. The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Committee leaders also met Mann recently. Dhami said that while the SGPC has planned to invite heads of all state governments to the events to ensure inclusivity, the Mann government's moves raised 'serious concerns'. SGPC secretary Balwinder Singh however said he had no knowledge if the body had communicated with the AAP government.
