AMRITSAR: The Interim Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee today passed a resolution demanding the release of captive Sikhs from the Government of India on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.
SGPC approved establishment of a chair in the name of the ninth Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur at Sri Guru Granth Sahib world university Fatehgarh Sahib.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said that on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji celebrated in 2019, the Government of India had notified the release of some Sikh prisoners and commutation of the sentence of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, which has not been implemented till date.
He said that now the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is a historic occasion, on which the Government of India should immediately implement the decision taken by it. This will be a true tribute to the Guru Sahib who sacrificed his life for the protection of human rights.
Advocate Dhami said that in principle approval has also been given to establish ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Chair’ at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University Sri Fatehgarh Sahib dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and it will be made functional soon after the university completes the process. In this, along with doing original and research work on the life, travels and martyrdom of the ninth Guru Ji, philosophical study on the holy Gurbani of Guru Sahib will be done.
He said that in the continuity of the Shiromani Committee, the Directorate of Education, which is now running under the management of the Shiromani Committee, will also prepare the students of educational institutions for the National Defense Academy examination. The selected students will be given free education for graduation and a monthly stipend.
Talking about the case of stopping a Gursikh girl from appearing for the exam in Rajasthan yesterday, Advocate Dhami said that Sikhs are also residents of this country and Sikhs have made great sacrifices for the progress and security of this country.
Advocate Dhami demanded the immediate lifting of the ban on pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib due to the recent tense situation in India and Pakistan, saying that the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims are attached to this holy place and this corridor is a symbol of mutual love, goodwill and unity, which should be opened soon. He said that similarly, permission has been demanded from both the governments to allow groups of Sikh pilgrims going to Pakistan.
He also informed that as per the demand received by the administrators of Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Nanded, it has also been decided to send 200 holy copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji for the Sangat of Takht Sahib and South Pradesh. These holy copies will be delivered to Takht Sahib by the Shiromani Committee as per the norms.