Sri Amritsar- Singh Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, has strongly condemned the incident in which Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar was allegedly driven to commit suicide due to caste-based discrimination. The Jathedar said that the supreme Sikh authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, stands firmly against casteism and any form of discrimination.
He stated that this tragic incident is a glaring reflection of the centuries-old caste-based bias still prevailing in India, and it deserves the strongest condemnation. Despite the constitutional guarantee of equal rights to all communities, many people continue to face discrimination, he said, emphasizing that there is an urgent need to transform societal mindsets.
The Jathedar underlined that, according to the Sikh Gurus’ philosophy, all humanity is equal, and it is deeply concerning that caste-based prejudices still surface even in the present age.
Jathedar Gargajj said that Punjab, being the land of the Sikh Gurus, continues to uphold their teachings, which have greatly reduced caste-based divisions compared to other parts of India. The Sikh Gurus traversed this land and imbued it with the spirit of Sikh faith, spreading a message of universal brotherhood. Sri Harmandar Sahib in Amritsar and its sacred Sarovar are living examples of this — where anyone from any part of the world can pay obeisance, take holy bathe, and partake equally in the Langar (community kitchen) of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji without discrimination. He added that the principles bestowed by the Sikh Gurus are pure and serve as a beacon of light for all humanity.
Jathedar Gargajj stressed that this is a deeply sensitive social issue, and every section of society must raise its voice against it. He said Punjab should continue to serve as an example for the rest of the country by spreading the Sikh philosophy of equality across India.
He further stated that, owing to the teachings and influence of the Sikh Gurus, a large section of people from so-called lower castes (Sikh faith treats everyone equal) in Punjab have embraced Sikh faith. However, in recent times, certain hateful propaganda has been spread to detach these communities from Sikh faith - driven by the same divisive forces that promote caste-based discrimination like that faced by IPS Y. Puran Kumar. These include elements associated with conversion campaigns and fake pastors operating within Punjab.
Jathedar Gargajj called for collective unity to counter caste-based discrimination and to respond firmly to false narratives and hate propaganda. He urged that whenever any attempt or conspiracy is made to alienate or divide communities linked with Sikh faith, such forces and individuals must be publicly exposed.
He reiterated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib stands unequivocally against all forms of caste-based discrimination, and the Sikh community will continue to oppose any such oppression and injustice with full determination.