Amritsar- Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), with the support of the Sikh Sangat, organized a large Gurmat congregation to mark the 300th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van and other Sikh martyrs. The event witnessed the participation of prominent Sikh personalities and a large number of devotees.
The commemorative programme was held at Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Tara Singh Ji Van in Tarn Taran district, where the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was performed. Following this, a congregation was held in the Diwan Hall.
Addressing the gathering, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Sikh warriors whose martyrdom is being commemorated sacrificed their lives while upholding Sikh principles and protecting the honour of unshorn hair (Kes). He said the community must draw inspiration from history and take a pledge to keep their children in the traditional Sikh form.
He added that the SGPC is the representative institution of the Sikh community and continues to work actively for the propagation of Sikhi while honouring its martyrs. However, he noted that some individuals are spreading misinformation about the Sikh institution on social media, creating confusion among the Sangat.
Raising the issue of Bandi Singhs (Sikh political prisoners), Advocate Dhami said several Sikh prisoners have been imprisoned for three decades, and the government’s discriminatory approach towards them creates a sense of alienation. He stressed that the Sikh Panth must unite for the release of Bandi Singhs. He also paid tribute to Akali Baba Phoola Singh on his martyrdom and thanked the Sangat for their support in organizing the centenary event.
On the occasion, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, said that the land of Majha has produced many brave warriors who laid down their lives while fighting oppression. He said commemorations of such martyrs remind the younger generation of their heritage and inspire them to remain connected with Sikh traditions.
He also highlighted challenges faced by the Sikh community today, stating that Sikh students are sometimes prevented from wearing the five Kakaars (symbols of faith) during competitive examinations and discrimination is occurring in various places.
Speaking about Bandi Singhs, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that while the government can show leniency towards controversial Gurmeet Ram Rahim, Sikh prisoner Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara is not even being allowed to meet his ailing mother. He said Sikh sentiments have often been ignored in matters concerning Bandi Singhs, reflecting a double standard of the governments. He further noted that Sikhs are still struggling for strict legislation to prevent sacrilege incidents of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and the government’s continued silence despite prolonged protests raises serious questions.
During the programme, head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib preacher Giani Amarjeet Singh and Kathavachak Baba Banta Singh Munda Pind Wale shared historical insights with the Sangat.
Senior leaders and religious figures who also addressed the gathering and paid tribute to the martyrs included Virsa Singh Valtoha, Baba Sewa Singh Khadoor Sahib, Baba Balbir Singh 96 Crori, Baba Avtar Singh Sursingh, Giani Gurdial Singh Additional Head Granthi of Takht Sri Harmandar Ji Patna Sahib, and Bhai Kanwar Charat Singh.
Several SGPC members, officials, religious leaders and representatives from various villages were also present in large numbers during the event.