AMRITSAR: Important resolutions on Sikh affairs were passed during the budget session of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee which was held at Teja Singh Samundari Hall within Golden Temple complex here today.
These various resolutions presented by the President of the SGPC, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, were approved by the members present with much fanfare.
The resolutions passed include condemnation of publication of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by tampering with holy Gurbani, celebration of Gurmukhi Script Day, commencement of direct flights from Amritsar, opening of roads to Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and other Sikh issues.
The SGPC budget meeting Strongly condemning the tampering with the Holy Gurbani of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and its publication and uploading on the websites, the General Assembly appealed to the Jathedar Sahib of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take strict action in this regard.
He also objected to the voluntary uploading of Guru Granth Sahib and various holy hymns on various mobile apps and websites and requested to issue directions to the Akal Takht.
Similarly, a resolution has expressed commitment to make planned efforts for the upliftment of Gurmukhi script. In this regard, it was decided to celebrate Guru Angad Dev Ji Gurai Divas every year as Gurmukhi Divas.
Another resolution called on the Government of India to abolish the passport requirement for pilgrims going through the open corridors of Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib Pakistan and at the same time appealed to the Punjab Government to visit the historic town of Dera Baba Nanak. Develop as a heritage city.
A resolution passed during the General Session strongly demanded direct flights from Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, Amritsar to various countries. It was said that there are around 50 lakh Sikhs living in different countries who are facing problems due to non-availability of direct flights from Punjab. In this regard, the Government of India was urged to take a serious approach to this issue and decide to start direct flights to Canada, USA, Australia, European countries, New Zealand etc.
Similarly, a resolution was also demanded from the Punjab government to open various avenues of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and give it a Sikh heritage look. It was said that earlier during the general session of November 2018 also the resolution was passed and sent to the Punjab government but the government did not take any action. The session again demands that the sentiments of the Sangat be appreciated by opening the various avenues leading to Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib.
A resolution has been appealed to the Governments of India and Pakistan to commemorate the 100th centenary of the martyrdom of Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib and to allow the pilgrims to visit Pakistan on this occasion. The centenary is to be celebrated on October 30, 2022, which will be celebrated not only in India but also in Pakistan.
A resolution passed during the General Session strongly condemned those who were spreading lies against the Shiromani Committee.
The resolution said that some people were deliberately tarnishing the image of the Shiromani Committee and were spreading misleading propaganda about the trusts of the Shiromani Committee. It was clarified that the trusts of the Shiromani Committee are the property of the Shiromani Committee and the President of the Shiromani Committee is acting as its Chairman. Administrative responsibilities also rest with the secretaries of the Shiromani Committee. The sangat was urged to beware of those who deliberately defamed the Shiromani Committee.
A resolution has also been passed to release Sangharshi Singhs, who have been lodged in various jails in India for nearly three decades.
The resolution called on the Government of India to announce the release of Sikh prisoners on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, which has not yet been fulfilled.
An appeal was made for an early decision in this regard and release of Sikh prisoners.
Among these prisoners are Prof. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana etc.
Another resolution condemned the Indian government's crackdown on Punjab and Sikhs in particular. Describing the imposition of Union Terms of Service by the Union Government on the employees of Chandigarh as unfortunate, he said that it was a decision taken to impose officers from outside Punjab on Chandigarh which should be withdrawn immediately.
Similarly the removal of compulsory representation of Punjab from the Bhakra Beas Management Board was also termed as discrimination of Punjab. A resolution also appealed to the Government of India to resolve the issue of Gurdwara Gyan Godri Hari Ki Pauri Haridwar, Gurdwara Guru Dangmar and Chungthang Sikkim, Gurdwara Bavli Math, Magu Math and Punjabi Math Jagannathpuri. During the General House, the Himachal government also took stern notice of banning saffron flags and a picture of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale. The Himachal government was reprimanded for refraining from such anti-Sikh maneuvers.
The General Assembly passed a resolution expressing its commitment to provide higher education to the Amritdhari Gursikh girls and it was decided that Sri Guru Granth Sahib will now be provided free education to 200 Amritdhari girls at Mata Sahib Kaur Girls College Talwandi Sabo. Free education, accommodation and food will be provided to 200 Amritdhari Gursikh girls at Sahib World University Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. Similarly four medical stores would be opened at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Talwandi Sabo and Gurdwara Bir Baba Buddha Sahib Thatta Tarn Taran from where medicines would be provided to the needy at cost price.
Apart from these resolutions on Sikh issues, condolence resolutions on various deceased personalities were also read out during the General Session. Among these personalities is Gurmat Sangeet teacher Prof. Kartar Singh, Giani Rajinder Singh, Chief Granthi of Takht Sri Harimdar Ji Patna Sahib, Baba Iqbal Singh Baru Sahib Wale, eminent Sikh and member of Sri Guru Ram Dass Hospital Charitable Trust Dr. Hardas Singh, Baba Manjit Singh Harkhowal, former member of Shiromani Committee. Harinder Singh Rania, Jathedar Harbans Singh Ghuman, Principal Bhagwant Singh, S. Sukhwinder Singh Jhabal.