AMRITSAR: Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, today participated in the historic Nagar Kirtan organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) from Gurdwara Dhubri Sahib, Assam, dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Saka Centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar.
The Nagar Kirtan commenced from Sri Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Matunga, Mumbai, after overnight stay where Jathedars of five Takhts, Singh Sahib from Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, SGPC President, leaders of Dal Panth, prominent personalities and local Sikh Sangat joined in large numbers. Before the commencement, a Gurmat Samagam was held at the college Gurdwara Sahib, where the concluding Ardas was offered by Jathedar Gargajj and the Hukamnama from Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib was recited by Granthi Singh Sahib Giani Parwinderpal Singh.
In his address, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that under the leadership of SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, the Nagar Kirtan carried the message of the Ninth Guru’s supreme sacrifice across the nation and united the Sikh community in one spirit. He recalled that similar Panthic efforts were undertaken in 1977 by Sant Giani Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, Jathedar Baba Santa Singh Ji, Head of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal, and the SGPC. “Today, these efforts are being revived again with Guru Sahib’s grace. We must draw inspiration from the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar, ” he said.
The Jathedar said Sri Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Mumbai, established by Sikhs in 1937 is Sikh heritage that represents a great vision of the community’s elders, and it is significant that its management lies with the SGPC, the representative body of Sikhs. He appreciated SGPC member Gurinder Singh Bawa of Mumbai for efficiently managing and advancing the institution under SGPC leadership. He urged the Sangat to prioritize faith and live according to the Guru’s teachings.
Addressing concerns about differences within the community, Jathedar Gargajj clarified, “There are no divisions in the Khalsa Panth. We all revere Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as our Guru. We are one.”
He noted that Jathedars and Singh Sahiban from all five Takhts—Giani Jotinder Singh (Takht Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Nanded), Giani Baldev Singh (Takht Sri Harmandar Ji Patna Sahib), Baba Tek Singh (Takht Sri Damdama Sahib), and Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh Ji, 96 Crori Head of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal—along with other Panthic representatives are present together.
He added that any minor shortcomings would soon be addressed by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. “This Martyrdom Saka Centenary will be celebrated by the entire Khalsa Panth united on one platform, ” he said. The Jathedar also urged the country’s rulers to refrain from interfering in Sikh religious affairs and instead focus on their own responsibilities. “During the time of the Ninth Guru, Aurangzeb interfered in matters of faith and tried to suppress the Hindu symbols of Tilak and Janeu. Sri Guru Teg Bahadar sacrificed his life to uphold religious freedom for all and the weak” he said.