AMRITSAR: The Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has taken serious note of the disrespect shown by Punjabi University, Patiala, towards the Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahankosh authored by the great Sikh scholar Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha. He termed this act highly condemnable and a clear expression of anti-Sikh mentality.
He stated that the Gurshabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh compiled by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha is an extremely significant Sikh heritage, containing references from the Gurbani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and important details about ancient history and sources. He said this work is a priceless treasure of Sikh literature, which continues to guide researchers interested in Sikh history.
The Jathedar recalled that earlier Punjabi University had published versions of the Mahankosh containing errors, which were strongly opposed by Sikh scholars and institutions. The matter even reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which then ordered a ban on its publication. He emphasized that if the Punjabi University administration truly intended to respectfully handle Sikh literature, it should have coordinated with the Sikh body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to make proper arrangements, instead of acting contrary to Sikh tradition and maryada (conduct).
He remarked that the Punjabi University first acted unilaterally by publishing the Mahankosh with errors despite opposition from Sikh scholars, and now, in an attempt to cover up its mistakes, has adopted a highly objectionable approach which the Sikh community will never tolerate. This, he said, reflects the poor intellectual understanding of the Punjabi University officials and their lack of sensitivity towards Sikh heritage and literature.
Jathedar Gargajj said that earlier, concerns had also been raised regarding the poor upkeep of rare and highly important Sikh literature at the Dr. Ganda Singh Punjabi Reference Library in Punjabi University. He added that Sikhs are deeply worried about whether the personal library collections of great Sikh scholars, which are preserved with the University, are being properly maintained or not.
He further stated that according to available information, there are no proper or adequate arrangements in the University reference library for the preservation of rare books and documents belonging to Sikh scholars and thinkers. A significant portion of this heritage has either been stolen or sold off as scrap. Jathedar Gargajj asked that the Punjabi University administration must clarify what measures are being taken to ensure the preservation and care of ancient and historical Sikh manuscripts, scriptures, and rare books kept in the library, especially since reports are emerging that the condition of the library is not satisfactory.
Jathedar Gargajj further said that following protests by Sikh students and organizations, an FIR has been registered against Punjabi University’s Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of Academic Affairs, and the head of the Publication Bureau. He asked the Punjab Police to investigate the matter seriously and ensure strict punishment for the guilty.
He also directed the Head Granthi of Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib, Patiala, to personally oversee the respectful saskar sewa of all copies of the Mahankosh present at the Punjabi University campus where this objectionable act occurred, with assistance from the SGPC. He instructed that after the completion of saskar sewa, a detailed report be sent immediately to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Additionally, Jathedar Gargajj advised the Punjabi University administration to begin Sri Akhand Path Sahib inside the campus Gurdwara Sahib as an act of repentance, along with Ardas (Sikh prayer) for forgiveness before the Guru Sahib. He also appealed to all Sikh organizations and students to remain peaceful.
Meanwhile Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, has termed the act of sacrilege committed by Punjabi University, Patiala by burying the Mahan Kosh underground as unfortunate, condemnable and against Sikh customs. He said that it is the responsibility of every institution to maintain respect for the holy Gurbani and Sikh literature. The Mahan Kosh is not just a book, but it is the heritage of the Sikh community, which should be cremated with proper dignity. Since it contains sacred verses of Gurbani and information about Sikh history and principles, Sikh sentiments should have been taken into consideration.
He said that if the university needed to eliminate some issues of the Mahan Kosh containing errors, then it should have contacted the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Advocate Dhami stressed that this action taken by the university is a disregard for religious principles and Sikh customs, which has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
He said that the administrators of Punjabi University should immediately apologize to the Sikh community and offer prayers by conducting Sri Akhand Path Sahib for repentance.