Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj honoured by Singh Sabhas and religious organizations in Ludhiana
AMRITSAR: Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, the acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, was today honored at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha located in the Purani Sabzi Mandi area of Ludhiana by various Singh Sabhas and religious organizations during a special Gurmat Samagam (congregation), where he made an important announcement regarding the incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj stated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sikh institutions are extremely concerned about the increasing incidents of sacrilege of the sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
He announced that if there is any lapse in the respect and reverence towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji anywhere, and if any act of sacrilege occurs, Sri Akal Takht Sahib will take Suo-moto cognizance and initiate strict action.
He clarified that whether a complaint is received or not, if such an incident occurs, Sri Akal Takht Sahib will itself proceed with action.
He also urged Gurdwara management committees to pay special attention to maintaining the honor and dignity of Guru Sahib and to strictly follow the rules set by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Jathedar Gargajj raised questions to the government in relation to the recent incident of sacrilege during the Sodar Rehras Sahib prayer at Sri Harmandar Sahib, where a person jumped over the protective grill.
He asked why, despite the SGPC’s demand to identify the accused through a DNA test, the government has not yet revealed the identity of that person. He said the government has completely failed to expose the forces behind that individual.
He called upon the entire Panth to raise their voice on this matter.
Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, appealing for unity among all Panthic organizations, said that the challenges facing Sikh institutions today can only be overcome through the principle of unity as taught by the Gurus.
He further stated that divisions among Sikhs have existed in the past and still exist today, but given the current challenges and to uphold the honor of Sikh institutions, it is necessary to remain united according to the Guru’s teachings.
He mentioned that governments have, from time to time, attempted to bring down the central Sikh shrine Sri Harmandar Sahib and the supreme temporal seat Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but Sikhs have always stood their ground to protect these sacred places and will continue to do so. The Gurus have created a self-respecting community that prays for the well-being of all.
He acknowledged that today, Sikhs and Sikh institutions face numerous challenges. Referring to a recent statement from Delhi, he mentioned how it was said that Sikhs read Gurbani even inside jails.
Jathedar Gargajj replied that Sikhs don’t only read Gurbani in jails; they even recited Gurbani while ascending gallows or while being martyred in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, including Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Ji and his devoted other Sikhs. He emphasized that Gurbani is the foundation and life of Sikhs, and no one can ever separate Sikhs from it.
Addressing the challenges faced by the SGPC, Jathedar Gargajj pointed out that those who do not even accept Sri Guru Granth Sahib as Guru and bow before self-proclaimed living gurus and do not partake Amrit are today giving calls to gather against Sikh institutions. In light of these challenges, he strongly appealed once again for Panthic unity.
Speaking on the issue of drug addiction in Punjab, Jathedar Gargajj said that only the Panth can curb this menace, while others wish to see the destruction of Sikhs. He stressed the need to promote the principle of "Nanak Naam Charhdi Kala, Tere Bhaane Sarbat da Bhala" (May the Nanak’s name stay in high spirit, Welfare of all may happen with True One’s will) as a mission, because every Sikh is a preacher who can spread Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message to every household and play a key role in combating drug abuse.
In the end, he affirmed to the Khalsa Panth that Gurdwara Sahibs are dearer to Sikhs than life itself, and that no anti-Panthic forces trying to take control of these holy places will be allowed to succeed. He said every Sikh must strive for the prosperity of the Panth and that forces trying to divide the Panth will never succeed because the Guru’s Panth will always confront them with unity.
Jathedar Gargajj thanked all Singh Sabhas and religious organizations for the honor, recalling the legacy of the Singh Sabha movement and its founders, and assured that wherever the Panth calls, he will be present.
On this occasion, the presidents of various Singh Sabha Gurdwaras were present, including Hira Singh Gabria, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Baba Ajit Singh, Balwinder Singh Lyallpuri, Pritpal Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Ranjodh Singh, Inderjit Singh Makkar, Gurdev Singh, Harpreet Singh Bedi, Kulwinder Singh Benipal, Jagjit Singh, Rakhwinder Singh, Chatarvir Singh, Rachhpal Singh, Angrez Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Surjit Singh, Bibi Gurdeep Kaur, Gurpreet Singh.