New building to house Sikh Reference Library

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 20

The SGPC executive committee on Friday gave nod for the construction of a new building for the Sikh Reference Library. The decision was reached at a meeting of the committee presided over by SGPC chief Gobind Singh Longowal at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo.

Addressing mediapersons, Longowal said the library was ruined during the Operation Blue Star in 1984 and the Army “had taken away a lot of Sikh literature” from there. He said the library had once again turned into a treasure trove of Sikh literature following the efforts of the SGPC.

He said the new building to house the Sikh Reference Library will be constructed at the current location of Bhai Gurdas Hall in Amritsar. Along with it, a ‘sarai’ to facilitate lodging of the pilgrims will also be constructed. Talking about other decisions, he said the SGPC would give a reward of Rs 1 lakh each to “sabat soorat” Sikh youths (having unshorn hair) making it to competitive exams like IAS and IPS. Similarly, those getting selected in the PCS will be given Rs 75,000 each.

He said Sikhs doing commendable work in science and agricultural research at the international level would also be awarded Rs 1 lakh each.