Emphasis on need for Qaumi unity and Panthic determination during 450-year centenary congregation.
- In light of philosophy of respected Gurus, community needs to set Panthic agenda - Giani Raghbir Singh
- Advocate Dhami raise questions against government discrimination and injustice with Sikhs
Sri. Goindwal Sahib, September 18-
During the main congregation organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on the occasion of the 450th Guruship Day of Sri Guru Ramdas and Joti Joti Diwas (passing away day) of Guru Amardas, prominent personalities of the Sikh community paid obeisance to the Guru at Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib here today. While paying their respects, they emphasized the need for the Sikh community to determine the future priorities in the light of the philosophy and principles of the Sikh Gurus. The common message of the address of the community’s personalities was that there is a great need for Qaumi (community’s) unity and Panthic determination, because the solution to the challenges facing the community lies in the same.
Speaking during the grand centenary congregation after the bhog (concluding ceremony) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib at Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh said that the teachings of Sikh Gurus are the ideal of life for every Sikh. He said that in the religious philosophy of the whole world, the ideology of the Sikh Gurus is the basis of a unique and ideal life. He said that the Sikh community should examine itself in the light of the Gurus’ life teaching and set a broad Panthic agenda. Strengthening a powerful intellectual, religious, cultural, economic and political platform by considering the priorities and interests of the Sikhs in a larger context is the first need today, he said. Talking about the community’s crisis, the Jathedar said that the real way out of these is to rise above factionalism and differences and walk the path of unity, which must be adopted for sure. He said that history is a witness to the fact that when the political power of the community was united, the Khalsa’s Nishan (Sikh flag) were hoisted on the thrones of Delhi and Lahore. On the historic occasion of the centenary, Giani Raghbir Singh invited the Sikh community to actively move in the direction of establishing the slogan of 'Raaj Karega Khalsa’ on the holy land of the Gurus.
During the event, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, while paying respect to the Gurus, also questioned Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government saying that in the past, every government used to show respect on the occasion of centenaries, but the negative attitude of the present one is very sad. He said that development work and participation by the state government here is a far-fetched thing, but while being dedicated to the Guru, they did not even announce a holiday in Punjab. This is not a true representation of the people of Punjab, he said. The SGPC President also expressed concern over the violation of Maryada (conduct) that took place at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib and Takht Sri Patna Sahib on the occasion of the arrival of Union government’s ministers. Advocate Dhami said that Takhts have a unique Maryada and it is responsibility of the Jathedars to ensure adherence of the same. Referring to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, he said that giving honour from the Takhts to a leader who advocated the murderers of Sikhs is a big violation of Sikh tenets and tradition. Criticizing the excesses and injustice with the Sikhs by the government from time to time, he said that sometimes Sikh students are harassed during competitive exams and forced to remove their Kakaars (symbols of faith) and sometimes the Sikhs are targeted with hate propaganda on social media. Even in the case of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), the stubborn attitude of the governments is exposing their face. He said that the SGPC has again filed a petition in the case of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and the struggle for the release of the remaining Sikh prisoners will also continue. On Kangana Ranaut's objectionable comment about Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwala, the SGPC President said this Member of Parliament deliberately targets Sikhs. Her audacity to call Sant Bhindranwale a terrorist is unacceptable. Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa is a great martyr of the Sikh community, who has also been declared a Qaumi Shaheed (community’s martyr) by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He advised this MP to stay within his limits and asked her to desist from actions that provoke Sikhs. The SGPC President also gave his reaction to the comments made by the prominent Congress leader about Sikhs during his visit to USA. He said that although the statement of the Congress leader is not wrong, but the Sikhs cannot forget that from 1947 to 1984 and later the Congress discriminated and committed genocide against the Sikhs. He appealed to the community not to allow any anti-Panthic agenda to succeed and to work together for community’s rights.
Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh said during his address that the influence of Panthic unity on the occasion of the centenary goes to the whole world but it should remain constant. He said that if the Sikh power is united, it will not take time for the governments to bent down and the issues will get resolved by themselves. Giani Harpreet Singh said that the governments are always trying to divide the community into factions, but the community has to be careful. He asked the Sikhs to strive for stability on religious, political, social and economic levels. He also said that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the center of leadership of Sikhs, where the entire community should put aside all differences in Panthic matters and be united.
On this occasion, Shiromani Akali Dal working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar shared his views with the congregation and said that centenary days are very important for the Sikh community. Paying respect and reverence to the Gurus, he said that service, Simran, humility, love, tolerance and harmony are important values of the personality of Guru Amardas and we should take inspiration from the same.
Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head of Damdami Taksal said that Gurpurbs and centenaries are successful only if spiritual strength and Panthic passion is gained from them. He appreciated the centenary celebrations by the SGPC.
Those who addressed during the congregation include head of Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal Baba Balbir Singh 96 Crori, Dal Panth Baba Bidhi Chand head Bibi Avtar Singh Sursingh, Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuri Wale, Padmashri Baba Sewa Singh Khadur Sahib, Baba Narinder Singh Hazur Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib from Giani Gagandeep Singh, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib from Giani Tanvir Singh, Baba Tejinder Singh Nanaksar Kleran, Baba Jeet Singh Johlan, Panj Piare Bhai Daya Singh's descendant Bhai Naunihal Singh, General Secretary Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta and farm leader of Uttar Pradesh Shri Rakesh Tikaat also addressed. Prior to this, Granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib Giani Gurminder Singh shared his views and ragi, dhadi and kavishar jathas also attended. The SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami and General Secretary Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta gave Siropaos (robes of honour) to the dignitaries present during the event.
During the congregation, large number of SGPC office-bearers, religious personalities, SGPC members, officers and Sangat were present.