Community leaders lay emphasis on panthic unity at congregation

Prominent personalities of the Sikh community paid obeisance at the Guruat Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib during the main congregation organised by the SGPC on the occasion of the 450th Guruship Day of Guru Ram Das and Jyoti Jyot Diwas (passing away day) of Guru Amar Das, in Goindwal Sahib, today.

Paying their respects, they emphasised the need for the Sikh community to determine their future priorities in the light of the philosophy and principles of the Sikh Gurus. The common message was that there is a need for Qaumi (community) unity and Panthic determination, because a solution to the challenges facing the community lies in it.

Speaking during the grand centenary congregation after the bhog (concluding ceremony) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib at Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said that the teachings of Sikh Gurus are the ideal for every Sikh. He said that the Sikh community should examine itself in the light of the life teachings of Gurus and set a broad Panthic agenda. 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.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, while paying respect to the Gurus, also questioned the 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 regime was sad. He said that development work and participation by the state government here is a far-fetched thing. While being dedicated to the Gurus, they did not even announce a holiday in Punjab. This is not a true representation of the people of Punjab, he said.

Dhami said that Takhts have a unique Maryada and it is the responsibility of the Jathedars to ensure adherence to the same. He said that even in the case of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), the stubborn attitude of the government was 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 comments, the SGPC president said that the MP deliberately targets Sikhs. He advised Ranaut to stay within her limits and asked her to desist from actions that provoke Sikhs. He appealed to the community not to allow any anti-Panthic agenda to succeed and 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 should remain constant.

Working president of the Shiromani Akali Dal 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 one should take inspiration from it.

Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, Head of Damdami Taksal, Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal’s Baba Balbir Singh 96 Crori, Dal Panth Baba Bidhi Chand head Baba Avtar Singh Sursingh and heads of different sects too addressed the gathering.