Sri Amritsar- Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, today participated in a special Gurmat Samagam (religious congregation) organized by the Management Committee of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Bara Bazar, in Shillong, Meghalaya, to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji.
Earlier, Jathedar Gargajj also took part in the Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) organized by the Management Committee of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary, which culminated at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Bara Bazar. Upon the conclusion of the Nagar Kirtan, Jathedar Gargajj performed the sewa (voluntary service) of respectfully enshrining the sacred saroop (scripture) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from the Palki Sahib (palanquin) to the Sukhasan Asthan inside the Gurdwara. A large number of devotees from Shillong, across Meghalaya, as well as from Assam and other parts of the Northeast, participated in these events.
During the Gurmat Samagam, the Hazoori Ragi Jatha of Bhai Harpal Singh Sajan from Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, the Kavishri Jatha of Bhai Bohar Singh, and the Dhaddi Jatha of Bhai Nirmal Singh Jethuwal inspired the sangat through Gurbani kirtan and narrations from Sikh history.
Addressing the sangat, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj encouraged the Sikh community of Shillong to lead their lives in high spirits, rooted in Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom) principles, and urged them to teach Gurmukhi Punjabi to their children so that they get connected to the Gurbani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He expressed satisfaction that a large number of Sikh youth in Shillong have preserved their Sabat Soorat (with unshorn hair) Sikh identity. Jathedar Gargajj further exhorted Sikhs of the Northeast to continue maintaining their unique Sikh identity and to receive Amrit, thereby becoming dedicated followers of the Guru.
Jathedar Gargajj said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life to protect the tilak, janeu, (sacred thread and forehead mark) and religious freedom of Hindus. The Guru’s act of selfless sacrifice is unparalleled and beyond repayment. He stated that even at that time, the house of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood as a refuge for the oppressed, and even today, during times of distress and calamity in the country, the Guru’s house continues to serve as a pillar of support. He said that if governments intend to demolish the house of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji located in Shillong’s Punjabi Lane and displace the Sikhs residing in the area, it would be a grave injustice against the Sikh minority in the country. He asserted that Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sikhs across the world stand firmly with the Sikhs living in Punjabi Lane, Shillong. He also made a special appeal to Sikhs and Sikh organizations worldwide to raise their voice with full strength at the international level if any injustice is ever committed against the Sikhs of Shillong.
Jathedar Gargajj said that whenever the defense of the nation has been at stake, the martial Sikh community has always played a leading role. Therefore, it is the primary responsibility of governments to ensure that the rights and interests of Sikhs living in the country are safeguarded, and that no oppression or injustice is inflicted upon them.
During the event, Meghalaya Government Cabinet Minister Shri Sanbor Shullai also met Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj at the office of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Shillong. Jathedar Gargajj urged Minister Sanbor Shullai to stand with the Sikhs living in Punjabi Lane, Shillong, and to support them in any time of difficulty. He reminded the Cabinet Minister that upholding Raj Dharma (righteousness in power) is the responsibility of the government and that no injustice should be done to Sikhs who have been residing here for nearly two centuries. He added that the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji teaches us to stand for truth and justice and to resist tyranny and oppression. Cabinet Minister Shri Sanbor Shullai assured Jathedar Gargajj of his full support to the Sikhs residing in Shillong.
The Management Committee honoured Jathedar Gargajj with a siropao (robe of honour), and the Jathedar also felicitated Sikh personalities rendering services to the Sikh faith in the region.
On this occasion, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee General Secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon; President of the Management Committee of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Shillong (Meghalaya), Gurjeet Singh; Senior Chief Advisor of the North East Sikh Representative Board and President of Gurdwara Dhubri Sahib Management Committee, Bhupinderpal Singh; Jaskaran Singh, Media Advisor, Secretariat Sri Akal Takht Sahib; along with several prominent local personalities and a large number of Sikh devotees were present.