AMRITSAR: A crucial meeting of the Five Singh Sahiban was held today at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, in which various matters were deliberated and decisions were announced regarding mistakes committed by different individuals.
The meeting was presided over by Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. It was attended by Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Giani Tek Singh; Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, Giani Kewal Singh; Head Granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Joginder Singh; and Giani Mangal Singh, Panj Piara of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
During the meeting, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh; Akali Dal leader Virsa Singh Valtoha; Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr. Karamjit Singh; Jaswant Singh, Director of Bhasha Vibhag Punjab; and Sikh preacher Bhai Harinder Singh of Nirvair Khalsa Jatha UK appeared before the Takht. Important deliberations and decisions were made regarding the coincidence of the martyrdom day of the younger Sahibzadas and the Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh falling on the same date—27 December—as well as issues related to preserving the Gurmat Sangeet tradition.
All individuals summoned appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, admitted their mistakes and sought forgiveness, after which, in line with Panthic tradition and maryada, the Five Singh Sahiban imposed Tankhahs (religious atonements).
GNDU VC Dr. Karamjit Singh was accused of making statements at a South India event suggesting, through research work of a Chair at the GNDU, ideas contrary to the distinct Sikh identity. Presenting himself today, the VC admitted his mistake and sought forgiveness.
He was ordered to wash used utensils in the langar hall for one hour and dust the footwears of the Sangat at Sachkhand Harmandar Sahib for one hour each day for two days. For five days, in addition to Nitnem (daily Sikh prayers), recite one path each of Sri Japji Sahib, Asa Di Vaar, and Tav Prasad Savaiye. GNDU VC Dr. Karamjit Singh has been ordered to read Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s book “Hum Hindu Nahin” and distribute its 500 copies among the sangat. Upon completion, to offer Karah Parshad of Rs 1100 and deposit Rs 1100 in the golak before Ardas (Sikh prayer) at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Director of Bhasha Vibhag Punjab, Jaswant Singh had organised a dance and music programme at Tagore Hall in Srinagar dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which hurt Sikh sentiments. He sought forgiveness before the Takht.
The directive issued stated that some of his writings also lacked proper reverence toward the Gurus. He was instructed to ensure full respect in all future speech and writing regarding the Gurus and esteemed Sikh personalities. Jaswant Singh was ordered to wash utensils and dust footwear for one hour each for two days at Gurdwara Dukhnivaran Sahib, Patiala. For four days, recite one time Sri Japji Sahib, Sukhmani Sahib, and Zafarnama in addition to Nitnem. Jaswant Singh is also instructed to read Principal Satbir Singh’s book “It Jin Kari – Jeevan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji” and distribute its 100 copies among the sangat. Afterwards, offer Karah Parshad worth Rs 1100 and deposit Rs 1100 in the golak at Sri Akal Takht Sahib before Ardas.
Former Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh sought forgiveness for the mistake of granting pardon to Dera Sirsa head Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the past. The Five Singh Sahiban accepted his apology and imposed tankhah that he shall wash utensils and dust footwear for one hour each for two days at Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib. For two days, recite one time Sri Japji Sahib, Asa Di Vaar, and Jaap Sahib in addition to Nitnem. Upon completion, offer Karah Parshad worth Rs 1100 and deposit Rs 1100 in the golak before Ardas at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Bhai Harinder Singh of Nirvair Khalsa Jatha UK sought forgiveness for making statements contrary to Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom). After hearing his explanation, the Five Singh Sahiban accepted his apology and lifted the ban placed earlier on his preaching.
He was instructed to conduct all future preaching strictly in accordance with Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh Rehat Maryada and Panthic traditions, and refrain from personal comments on any organisation. He has been asked to inspire devotion through Sikh sakhis (stories) and Guru-history. Bhai Harinder Singh will wash utensils and dust footwear for one hour each for two days at Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib. For two days, recite one time Sri Japji Sahib, Sri Anand Sahib (40 pauris), and Zafarnama along with Nitnem. After completing his tankhah, bathe in the sacred sarovar of Sri Harmandar Sahib and offer Karah Parshad of Rs 1100 and Rs 1100 in the golak before Ardas at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Akali Dal Leader Virsa Singh Valtoha was accused of making unfounded remarks against respected Singh Sahiban. Today he appeared and sought forgiveness. Five Singh Sahiban revoked the 10-year restriction earlier imposed on him from Shiromani Akali Dal under Akal Takht Sahib’s edict No. A:T/202 dated 15 October 2024. He was directed to avoid making statements against any religious personality in future, and to exercise restraint and unity in speech. As someone who had done company with Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, he was reminded to uphold dignity in words. He will wash utensils and dust footwear for three days at Sri Harmandar Sahib, two days at Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran, one day each at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. For 11 days, recite one time every day Sri Japji Sahib, Kabyo Bach Benti Chaupai, and Ramkali Ki Vaar Rai Balwand Tatha Sattai Doom Aakhi besides Nitnem. After completion, offer Karah Parshad worth Rs 1100 and deposit Rs 1100 in the golak at Sri Akal Takht Sahib before Ardas.