SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria today paid obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sri Sisganj Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
During his visit, the Governor held a special meeting with Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, at his official residence here. On this occasion, Governor Shri Kataria was honoured with Siropao, shawl and a photo of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, by Jathedar Gargajj and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member Bhai Amarjit Singh Chawla.
In this meeting, Jathedar Gargajj raised before the Governor several important matters including the 350th martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar, the demand for stricter laws against desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other Granths, environmental concerns over a proposed paper mill near Chamkaur Sahib, the eviction of poor families near Mattewara forest, rising police encounters in Punjab and religious conversions.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that the discussion with the Governor Punjab was held in a positive atmosphere. The Governor attentively listened to all the concerns raised and assured appropriate action.
The Jathedar emphasized that the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar should be commemorated nationwide and globally to reflect the Guru’s principles of human rights and religious freedom. He proposed that both the Punjab and Centre Governments should organize the commemorations in collaboration with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which is Central Sikh organization that represents the community and upholds Sikh traditions, maryada (conduct) and principles.
Jathedar Gargajj also raised objections to the proposed construction of a paper factory near Sri Chamkaur Sahib, saying it poses a serious environmental threat near the sacred martyrdom site of the elder Sahibzadas.
Jathedar Gargajj also urged the Governor to support the formulation of strict laws specifically addressing desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He said that while all religious Granths deserve respect, Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds the status of a living Guru for Sikhs, and therefore demands special legal protection and stringent punishment for acts of desecration in case of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.