Singer Bir Singh Seeks Forgiveness at Sri Akal Takht
AMRITSAR: Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, the Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, addressing the media at the Secretariat office today, took strong notice of a controversial program organized by the Punjab Government in Srinagar to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar. He said the concerns raised earlier by Sikh institutions have been validated, as the event, which featured dance, music, and entertainment, deeply hurt the Sikh sentiments.
He emphasized that, according to Sikh principles, martyrdom has deeply sacred place, and the Punjab Government’s conduct during this program violated Gurmat discipline and contradicted the Guru’s ideology and philosophy. Complaints have been received at Sri Akal Takht Sahib from Sikh communities worldwide against Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh, the Director of the Language Department (Bhasha Vibhag), and singer Bir Singh for organizing this program and their involvement.
Jathedar Gargajj stated that the government and its Language Department must understand their roles—intervening in Sikh religious matters or organizing Gurmat-based programs is not their domain, as the Sikh institutions and the Khalsa Panth are capable of conducting such events. If the government is truly concerned about the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, it should support necessary development works instead.
He advised the Punjab Government to take lessons from Bihar Government, which celebrated the 350th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh with the support of the Khalsa Panth. Roads leading to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar are broken, sanitation is poor, and stray dogs are rampant—these must be fixed. The main centenary events will be held in Sri Anandpur Sahib, and the road from Garhshankar to Anandpur Sahib is in disrepair and a Kar Sewa organization is constructing this road. The bridge on that route is also in poor condition, and the government must take action.
Similarly, the state of development and urban management in Baba Bakala Sahib is disappointing. The government should carry out development in cities associated with Sri Guru Teg Bahadar and establish hospitals, colleges, or institutions in his name.
Singer Bir Singh Seeks Forgiveness at Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Meanwhile, Punjabi singer Bir Singh, who performed at the controversial event in Srinagar, met Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj and offered an apology at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Jathedar Gargajj said that it is good that Bir Singh, even without being summoned, acknowledged his mistake, expressed sincere remorse and dedication to the Guru. He said the apology would be considered and discussed appropriately.