Latest news with #Takhts
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal launches movement for Panth-approved jathedar appointments
Amritsar: Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal, chairman, Dharam Parchar Committee of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGPC), on Wednesday announced the launch of a movement to raise awareness among the Sikh community to adopt a "Panth Parvanit" (Panth-approved) system for the appointment of jathedars of the Takhts to prevent embarrassing incidents, such as those witnessed in recent times. Daduwal was here along with the HSGPC newly elected president Jagdish Singh Jhinda and its members to offer thanksgiving prayers at the Golden Temple. It is already a matter of concern that the jathedars of Takht Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib are rarely invited to meetings of the Sikh high priests convened in Punjab Takhts to deliberate on Panthic issues, according to Daduwal. The recent summoning of the jathedar of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), followed by the retaliatory declaration of the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj — who also serves as the jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib — and Baba Tek Singh, jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, as "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct), is deeply unfortunate and troubling, he added. "Such actions not only send a negative message but also undermine the dignity and unity of the Sikh high clergy, causing embarrassment for the Panth as a whole," observed Daduwal. Daduwal issued an appeal advocating for the appointment of jathedars through a process of collective and inclusive consultation. He emphasised the need for involving all significant Sikh religious bodies, including Sikh intellectuals, Nihang organisations, and others dedicated to the Sikh faith. He called for the establishment of a system wherein jathedars are appointed through unanimous consensus, free from the influence of any single group or political party. He said the HSGPC already initiated this movement and will continue to advance it both across India and internationally by engaging with Sikh intellectuals and religious bodies worldwide. At the same time, Daduwal expressed the view that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) should not remain under the control of any single political party. "Our opponents in the Shiromani Akali Dal tried their best, but the Sikhs of Haryana succeeded in removing them from the HSGPC. Similarly, there is a growing sentiment among Sikhs in Punjab who do not want to see the SGPC dominated by one political party," he added. MSID:: 121464567 413 |
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
SGPC committee criticises Patna Sahib resolution challenging Akal Takht authority
Amritsar: Members of the committee constituted by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to resolve the ongoing issue concerning Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib have called a recent resolution passed by the Patna Sahib Management Committee — challenging a decision of Akal Takht — unprincipled and against Sikh tenets. A release issued by SGPC here on Wednesday informed that the senior vice-president of SGPC Raghujit Singh Virk, along with committee members Gurcharan Singh Grewal and Gurbachan Singh Karmuwala, said that as per Sikh Rehat Maryada, Akal Takht has the supreme authority among other Takhts and has full jurisdiction to adjudicate appeals and decisions on religious matters across Sikh institutions. The leaders pointed out that Article 79 of the Constitution and by-laws of Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib also affirms the authority of Akal Takht in religious affairs, and its decisions are considered final and binding in the Sikh tradition. They added that the resolution passed by the Patna Sahib Committee seems to be a direct challenge to the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which is not a cordial approach. While acknowledging that the Patna Sahib committee may have acted in haste, the SGPC leaders reaffirmed that their delegation will still visit Patna Sahib and work toward a resolution through dialogue and mutual respect. MSID: 121468120 413 |
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Takht Patna Sahib panel demands removal of jathedars, backs edict
1 2 3 Amritsar: The Takht Harimandir Patna Sahib management committee has demanded the removal of Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh, backing the "hukamnama" (edict) issued by the "Panj Pyare". "We honour the supremacy of the Akal Takht and follow its maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct), but our constitution was framed in 1861. Accordingly, we will not take directions from the Akal Takht, especially from the Sikh high priests who themselves were appointed in violation of the Akal Takht maryada. Instead, we demand their removal," said Harpal Singh Johal, spokesperson, Takht Harimandir Patna Sahib management committee on Thursday. The toughening of the stance comes after the Sikh high priests on Wednesday summoned Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Bhai Baldev Singh and additional head granthi Gurdial Singh, prompting the Panj Pyare of Takht Patna Sahib to declare Giani Gargaj and Baba Tek Singh "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct). At the same time, the Sikh high priests of Punjab-based Takhts on Thursday defended their decisions. "Action was taken on issues pending for a long time as per records of the secretariat," said a release issued by the Akal Takht secretariat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It added that the five Sikh high priests discussed and acted upon the long-pending matter related to Takht Sri Harimandir Patna Sahib. The release quoted a meeting of five Sikh high priests held on Dec 6, 2022, giving directions to Bhai Baldev Singh and transfer of Bhai Gurdial Singh, which was not complied with. The release also maintained that the former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar, who was excommunicated, once again submitted a petition requesting resolution of his case. "The five Sikh high priests have taken action on the long-pending matter of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, as it is imperative to resolve petitions submitted to the Akal Takht in accordance with Panthic traditions," said the release. It stated that the Takht Patna Sahib management committee should not create a situation of conflict among the Takhts but act with sincerity and unity in accordance with Panthic traditions and principles and fully comply with the orders of Akal Takht. According to Sikh Rehat Maryada, the Akal Takht is the highest among the five Takhts, and its decisions and orders are binding on all Takhts and the entire Sikh community. "No group of Panj Pyare from any Takht has the authority to question the supremacy of Akal Takht," said the release. BOX SGPC chief calls for dialogue Stating that the Sikh Takhts hold immense historical and doctrinal significance within the Panth, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami said, "It is a collective responsibility of the community to uphold their dignity and respect. Following the decisions made by the Sikh high priests from the Akal Takht, the subsequent order issued by the Panj Pyare from Takht Patna Sahib has not sent a positive message to the community. " Dhami emphasised that matters concerning Panthic institutions and issues must be dealt with seriousness and maturity, suggesting mutual dialogue as the best path forward. He said that the atmosphere of internal conflict was creating confusion within the community. MSID:: 121341920 413 |
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Row after Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyaras declare Akal Takht jathedar ‘tankhaiya'
Amritsar Amritsar: A row has erupted after the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) of Takht Patna Sahib defied a decree issued by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, and declared its acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib head Tek Singh Dhanaula 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) for actions that allegedly hurt the sanctity and dignity of the Takht Patna Sahib. The confrontation escalated on Wednesday when Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht took serious note of the Takht Patna Sahib management's non-compliance with a 2022 directive which ordered an assessment of Patna Sahib jathedar Baldev Singh's Gurbani recitation skills and the transfer of granthi Gurdial Singh. Following continued disregard, both were barred from performing any 'Panthic' (religious) duties, and the management was summoned to appear before the Akal Takht immediately. In a counteraction just hours later, the Panj Pyare of Takht Patna Sahib, led by jathedar Baldev Singh, rejected the Akal Takht's decree and issued their own. They accused the Amritsar-based clergy of overreach and declared that decisions made by other Takhts would neither apply to nor be recognised at Takht Patna Sahib. Experts, however, say as the Akal Takht is the supreme authority, and no one can challenge it. Sukhbir told to appear before Takht Patna Sahib The Panj Pyare also claimed that the controversy was politically motivated, accusing Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal of engineering the interference. Sukhbir has been summoned to appear before Takht Patna Sahib within 10 days or face action 'as per Panthic traditions'. Further, the Patna Sahib decree labelled Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Tek Singh Dhanaula as 'self-styled jathedars', and rejected the Akal Takht's recent exoneration of former Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar. According to Patna Sahib authorities, their earlier decision declaring Gauhar 'tankhaiya' and excommunicating him still stands. This open defiance by Takht Patna Sahib has triggered a crisis in the Sikh religious sphere, potentially threatening the long-standing centralised authority of the Akal Takht over Sikh matters globally. Religious scholars and Panthic leaders have expressed concern over the implications of such disunity within the Sikh temporal institutions. Dr Amarjit Singh, professor, Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), said: 'Such instance was never witnessed in the recent history that Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyare challenged Akal Takht decree. This has hurt Sikh traditions and the community is upset over this.' Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member and its former general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal said: 'The Akal Takht took action against those at the helm of Takht Patna Sahib as per the probe report. The Akal Takht is supreme authority. Other Takhts come under it. So, its order cannot be challenged as per the Sikh traditions.'
