Amritsar- Addressing concerns raised against certain members and office-bearers of the Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society, officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, summoned the organization’s president and executive members today to present their side at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
In response, Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) President Inderbir Singh, along with 20 executive members, appeared before Jathedar Gargajj. During the meeting, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj questioned them regarding the complaints and heard their explanations. After deliberation and in light of the organization’s constitution and the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Jathedar issued several key directives on the spot.
Speaking to the media afterward, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj announced that all members of CKD must be Amritdhari (initiated Sikhs) by September 1, allowing a 41-day period for compliance. Any member not yet Amritdhari or who has deviated from Sikh discipline must rectify this within the given time. He stated that no member should dye or curl their beard, as this in violation of Sikh principles. Members who did not attend today’s meeting have been ordered to appear at the Akal Takht Secretariat on August 1 to present their explanation. If any member fails to become Amritdhari by September 1, their membership will be terminated. To facilitate this, the Akal Takht Sahib will send Panj Piaras (five beloved ones) to guide and administer the Amrit Sanchar (Sikh initiation ceremony).
The Jathedar emphasized that no act contradicting Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom) and Sikh Rehat Maryada will be tolerated. He reaffirmed that the constitutional requirement for members of CKD to be Amritdhari cannot be repealed under any circumstance.
Further directives issued to CKD by Jathedar Gargajj include establishing schools in Punjab’s border belt focused on promoting Sikh values and offering concessions for children from Sikh families in light of the religious conversion and flourishing the Sikh faith. It is also directed to expand and continue the CKD’s publication ‘Khalsa Advocate’, which has done great contribution in strengthening the Sikh narrative, to enhance Sikh education and awareness using modern information technology.
Regarding Punjab Government’s announcements on the 350th martyrdom anniversary commemoration of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar, Jathedar Gargajj responded to media queries by stating that commemorating centenaries is the responsibility of the Khalsa Panth, while governments should play a supportive role in organizing necessary arrangements. He backed SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami’s objections to the Punjab Government’s unilateral announcement of events and urged the government to coordinate with Sikh institutions and SGPC, rather than scheduling parallel Nagar Kirtans or events on pre-announced dates.
Jathedar Gargajj concluded that past centenaries have always been observed and marked under the leadership of Sikh bodies with government support, and the Sikh community welcomes cooperation, including the participation of government leaders if done respectfully.
On this occasion, President of the Chief Khalsa Diwan Inderbir Singh was present along with Vice President Santokh Singh, Honorary Secretary Ramnik Singh, Local President Kuljit Singh, executive members Adarsh Pindar Singh, Jaspal Singh, Harvinder Pal Singh, Sukhbir Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Atamjeet Singh, Harinderpal Singh, Jaspal Singh, Gurinder Singh, Manmohan Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Sarjot Singh, Kamaljeet Singh, Waryam Singh, Mahinder Singh, Harjeet Singh, and in-charge of the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Bagicha Singh, among others.