Patiala, October 26
In an unprecedented move, the Punjabi University authorities allowed a function organised by it to propose 'tankha' for Jathedar Avtar Singh, president, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) and subsequently 'tankha' was also announced on the spot.
The ‘tankha’ was proposed at a function organised by the Department of Gurmat Sangeet, Punjabi University, Patiala, in connection with the three-day Gurmat Sangeet Utsav at its Kala Bhawan today. Gurmat Sangeet Sangat proposed the 'tankha' as claimed by Mr BS Sandhu, Director, Public Relations, Punjabi University, Patiala, and subsequently it was announced by it. The 'tankha' was awarded to Jathedar Avtar Singh, as he could not preside over the function organised by the Department of Gurmat Sangeet, Punjabi University.
As per the 'tankha' Jathedar Avtar Singh has been asked to give fellowship to 10 rural poor students of Yadwindra Engineering College for completing their courses.
However, Mr Sandhu refused to disclose who raised the issue of proposing and awarding 'tankha' to Jathedar Avtar Singh. He also failed to come out with an answer when he was asked whether the 'tankha' at a function organised in the Punjabi University, Patiala, amounted to violation of Sikh Maryada. Mr Swarn Singh Boparai, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala, inaugurated the function.
While urging this correspondent not to rake up this controversy, he said he had a lot of respect for Jathedar Avtar Singh. He added that the 'tankha' had been proposed and announced in 'lighter vein' and it did not amount to any sort of
punishment.
Interestingly, the Punjabi University authorities issued a press note in connection with the proposal and announcement of 'tankha' on its letter pad. Mr Sandhu himself signed the press note.
However, Mr Sandhu when asked why he had mentioned this in the press note, said the 'tankha' was proposed by the Gurmat Sangeet Sangat and hence the same was mentioned in the press note.
Reacting sharply to the development, Jathedar Avtar Singh said all this 'drama' had been enacted at the instance of Mr Boparai, who had been acting as a Congress agent. He added that he would approach the Akal Takht against Mr Boparai as Mr Boparai had defied the authority of the Sikh clergy, empowered to award 'tankha' as per Sikh Maryada.
He alleged that it was Mr Boparai who asked the gathering at the function to raise their hands for proposing and subsequently announcing 'tankha' for him (Jathedar Avtar Singh).
He said Mr Boparai, who had also made wrong remarks against former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal should be aware of the fact that he (Mr Boparai) was Vice-Chancellor of the university and he (Mr Avtar Singh) was heading the SGPC, known as the parliament of Sikhs.
The SGPC chief said it was not necessary for him to attend every function, as he had other engagements also. He said once he attended the function organised by Punjabi University, Patiala, and gave Rs 11 lakh to one of its departments.
Meanwhile, the three-day Gurmat Sangeet Utsav was inaugurated Mr Boparai.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Surinder Singh "Singh Bandhu" inspired the young ‘keertan’ singers to follow the classical tradition in letter and spirit.
