Portraits of Sikh personalities installed at Central Sikh Museum in Golden Temple complex

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has installed the portrait of Baba Daya Singh Sursingh, head of the Dal Baba Bidhi Chand sect and brave general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army, Nidhan Singh Panjhattha, at the Central Sikh Museum in the Golden Temple complex today.

The ceremony of unveiling their pictures was performed by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Sultan Singh, in the presence of Golden Temple head granthi Giani Amarjit Singh, Giani Gurminder Singh, Giani Parvinderpal Singh, Baba Balbir Singh Mukhi Budha Dal, Baba Joga Singh, Chief, Tarna Dal, Baba Bakala, Dal Baba Bidhi Chand chief Baba Avtar Singh Sursingh, Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale and Baba Sewa Singh Khadur Sahib, among others.

Dhami said that installing pictures of the personalities who performed service to the Panth was a gesture to recognise their contribution.

He said Baba Daya Singh spread Gursikhi teachings all over the world and also performed ‘amritpan’ ceremony while being dedicated to the Akal Takht throughout his life.

Similarly, Nidhan Singh Panjhattha, in the year 1823 AD, showed his bravery in the battle of Nowshera, killed five Pathan generals from the side of enemies and presented the five swords taken from them to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In return, the Maharaja awarded him.

Dhami said that Nidhan Singh became a member of the five-member council formed in the Sikh state and also contributed significantly to the Peshawar campaign and remained a watchman for the safety and security of the Sikh state throughout his life.

Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh and the head of Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Samprada, Baba Avtar Singh Sursingh also expressed their views about the lives of the personalities in the pictures. The dignitaries present on the occasion were honoured by presenting ‘Siropa’ (robe of honour).