AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) today displayed three portraits and two paintings at the Central Sikh Museum of Sri Darbar Sahib.
The photographs are related to Bhai Nagahia Singh, a devoted Sikh Sri Guru Gobind Singh; Saka (massacre) Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib 1964, Shaheed Bhai Daya Singh of Morcha Gangsar Jaito, Ghadri Baba Shaheed Bhai Banta Singh Sangwal and SGPC member Jathedar Tota Singh. The ceremony of unveiling the portraits and paintings was performed by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, and Baba Nihal Singh, head of Tarna Dal Harian Velan.
Speaking on the occasion, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Central Sikh Museum is an important source of Sikh history and heritage and the community’s honour is given here by displaying portraits of those who make great contributions to Panthic causes and sacrifice for the community.
He said that Bhai Nagahia Singh had offered a horse to Sri Guru Gobind Singh when he reached village Alamgir (now in Ludhiana) from Machhiwara while on his further journey after the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib. He said there is great respect among the Sangat towards this devout Sikh of the Guru, for which his portrait has been displayed at the museum.
Talking about Saka of Gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib, SGPC President said that on May 22, 1964, eleven Sikhs of Misal Shaheedan Tarna Dal Harian Velan jathebandi under the leadership of Baba Harbhajan Singh sacrificed their lives to free the Sikh shrine from the Mahants (priest). This is an exemplary sacrifice, the witness of which is the living martyr Jathedar Baba Nihal Singh Harian Velan who is still performing Panthic services. He said that the Sikh community will always remember the contribution made by the martyrs of this massacre towards the community’s organization.
SGPC President said that the services and dedication of Shaheed Bhai Daya Singh of Gurdwara Gangsar Sahib Jaito, Ghadri warrior Bhai Banta Singh Sangwal and former minister of Punjab Jathedar Tota Singh, who remained SGPC member for long are also exemplary.
During the ceremony, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Baba Nihal Singh Harian Velan and SGPC secretary Partap Singh also expressed their views. SGPC President honoured the personalities present on this occasion with Siropao (robe of honour).
Present on this occasion included granthi Giani Baljit Singh and Giani Sultan Singh, Akali leader Gulzar Singh Ranike, SGPC General Secretary Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Ranjit Singh Kahlon, Charan Singh Alamgir, Jathedar Tota Singh’s wife Bibi Mukhtiar Kaur, his son Barjinder Singh Brar, Balwinder Singh, Dr Jaswinder Singh, Bibi Paramjit Kaur, Jasbir Singh Ghuman, OSD Satbir Singh Dhami, secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan, manager Satnam Singh Mangasarai, Iqbal Singh Mukhi, Bibi Jasbir Kaur, Dilbagh Singh, Satnam Singh, Balwinder Singh grandson of Shaheed Bhai Daya Singh