AMRITSAR: In a significant gathering held today at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Five Singh Sahibans deliberated on crucial matters concerning Sikh religious integrity, community unity, and recent violations of Sikh values by individuals and government entities.
The meeting was presided over by Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and attended by Giani Sultan Singh and Giani Kewal Singh, Granthis of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, Bhai Tek Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Giani Mangal Singh, Panj Piara of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Resolution No. 1: Clarification on Political Claims and Call for Unity
The Five Singh Sahibans addressed numerous complaints received from various Sikh political and religious organizations regarding certain factions claiming patronage from Sri Akal Takht Sahib to gain political advantage.
The gathering reviewed the directive issued on December 2, 2024, which had directed all Akali factions to set aside their differences and unite. However, no meaningful progress has been observed in this regard. Reiterating that Sri Akal Takht Sahib belongs to the global Sikh community and stands for the rights and dignity of every Sikh, the resolution clearly stated: “Any group unwilling to honour the directive issued on December 2, 2024, is free to pursue its political path. However, such factions must refrain from misleading the Sikh Sangat by falsely claiming the patronage of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.”
The resolution further directed all Panthic and Akali factions to unite and work together for larger interests of the Khalsa Panth on critical issues such as the protection of Punjab’s land and resources, defense of Sikh identity and religious articles, challenges posed by modern technologies (like Artificial Intelligence) to Sikh history, traditions and Gurbani, and increasing incidents of targeting Sikhs in country and abroad.
Resolution No. 2: Objection to Entertainment-Based Commemoration in Srinagar
The Five Singh Sahibans strongly condemned the July 24, 2025 event held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar, organized jointly by the Punjab Government, Bhasha Vibhag Punjab (Language Department), and other institutions to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dyala. The event featured dance and musical entertainment, causing deep hurt to Sikh sentiments. Following complaints received from the global Sikh Sangat against Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh, Director of Bhasha Vibhag Punjab Jaswant Singh and Punjabi singer Bir Singh, the Five Singh Sahibans directed that future government programs should focus on seminars, discussions, and lectures aligned with Sikh values and there should be no violation of Sikh conduct in them. It was cleared that the Sikh community is capable of organising Gurmat Samagams (religious congregations) and Nagar Kirtans (religious processions) and the government must not organise such events. The Dharam Prachar Committee of SGPC, Sri Amritsar, should be involved in organizing such events. Governments must support Panthic organizations like SGPC in hosting events at historic Sikh sites. Additionally, the Punjab Government was instructed to improve roads and facilities around key Gurdwaras associated with ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadar such as Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal and Gurdwara Kotha Sahib Patshahi Nauvin, Vallah in Amritsar, and Gurdwara Patshahi Nauvin in Baba Bakala Sahib. The Punjab government must consider establishing new public welfare institutions in memory of the Ninth Sikh Guru, following the precedent of previous centenaries where hospitals, colleges, and universities were inaugurated. Punjab cabinet minister Harjot Singh has been asked to visit these historical sites personally and oversee necessary development and sanitation work as per the given directive.