AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) displayed the portrait of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha princely state at the Central Sikh Museum in Sri Darbar Sahib complex on Saturday. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and Granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib Giani Baljit Singh were present on this occasion besides the family members of Maharaja Nabha.
Guarding the Panthic (community’s) thought, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh did several important works in his life. He made an important contribution to getting the Anand Marriage Act passed in 1909. Moreover, after Saka (massacre) Sri Nankana Sahib in 1921, Maharaja Nabha was also among those who protested by tying black turbans on the call of SGPC. In return for his Panthic services, the portrait of Maharaja Nabha has been displayed at Central Sikh Museum.
Speaking during the ceremony held to display the portrait, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that Maharaja Ripudaman Singh has made a great contribution to the Panthic services. He said during his coronation, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh preferred the ceremony to be held as per Sikh customs of Gurmat (teachings of Sikh Gurus) instead of the British way. Similarly, in protest against Saka Sri Nankana Sahib, besides participating by wearing a black turban, Maharaja Nabha declared a holiday on the day of Ardas (Sikh prayer) in Nabha princely state, he said. That is why the British government was against Maharaja Nabha.
SGPC President said that Maharaja Nabha was forcibly descended from the throne by the British government because of his Panthic thinking, as a protest of which the Sikhs held a Jaito morcha (front). He said the SGPC has fulfilled its duty by paying respect to this Panthic personality.
On this occasion, Bibi Preeti Singh from the family of Maharaja Nabha said that they are proud of their ancestors. She said Maharaja Nabha accepted the punishment of Kala Pani but did not write an apology to the British government. Meanwhile, Giani Baljit Singh, Sikh scholar Gian Singh Sandhu Canada, Jatinderpal Singh USA, SGPC secretary Partap Singh and great-grandson of Maharaja Nabha Yuvraj Abhi Udaipratap Singh also addressed the gathering.
Hazuri raagi group of Bhai Gurpreet Singh connected the Sangat with Gurbani Kirtan and the Ardas were offered by Bhai Gurcharan Singh. The family members of Maharaja Nabha who attended the ceremony were honoured with Siropao (robe of honour) by SGPC President.
SGPC members, prominent personalities, and key SGPC officials were also present at the event.