Sri Anandpur Sahib- On the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Baisakhi), a large number of Sikh devotees from across the country and abroad gathered at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib. During the Gurmat congregation organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) with the support of the Sangat, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj addressed the congregation. He shared the history of the creation of the Khalsa by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the initiation of Khande Bate di Pahul, and the Panj Piaras, inspiring the Sangat to remain steadfast in Sikh principles. He also extended greetings to the entire Sikh community on Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Baisakhi).
He stated that the narrative claiming that Sikhs are converting to other religions is completely false. A true Sikh of the Guru, he said, never changes their faith and is ready to lay down their life for it. He added that those who do not truly understand Sikhi and remain entangled in superstitions may wander towards imposters. He stressed that efforts must be made to preach and propagate Sikh teachings, and it is incorrect to blame the entire community if some individuals, due to lack of understanding, go astray. A Sikh of Sri Guru Nanak Dev and Sri Guru Gobind Singh walks on the path of truth, he said, and may endure extreme suffering but never abandons their faith. He emphasized that the Khalsa, born from the double-edged sword (Khanda), can never give up its distinct identity, and urged all Sikhs to partake in Khande Bate di Pahul and become true followers of the Guru. He further said that the Guru bestowed a unique and separate identity upon Sikhs, urging every Sikh to use ‘Singh’ and ‘Kaur’ as suffixes in their children’s names.
Expressing his views on the law being framed by the Punjab Government to prevent sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that the only real solution to sacrilege is the vigilant guardianship of the Panth. Referring to a 2022 incident at Sri Darbar Sahib where an individual jumped over the barrier with malicious intent, he said the Panth did not allow his plan to succeed because it was present and alert. Wherever the Panth is vigilant, sacrilege cannot occur, he asserted.
He added that if someone attempts to disrespect Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji with malicious intent, laws can be made against the offender. However, since Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the eternal Guru (Jagat Jot Saroop) of the Sikhs, no law can be imposed upon it. He cautioned Sikhs not to be driven by emotions and clarified that while strict laws may be enacted to punish those guilty of sacrilege, the government cannot decide where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should be printed or demand its accounts. Such matters cannot be subjected to government control, nor will the Khalsa Panth accept such interference, as it amounts to direct interference in its institutions. He questioned the government as to why the identity of the accused in the 2022 sacrilege incident at Sri Darbar Sahib has not yet been established and demanded clarity on who was behind it. He emphasized that any decisions concerning Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must be made only with the collective consent of the Khalsa Panth.
He further said that today in Punjab and other states of the country, Sikh articles of faith (Kakaars) are being removed during competitive examinations. He questioned whether any voice has ever been raised on this issue in the Punjab Legislative Assembly. He asked both the Government of India and the Punjab Government to clarify why such incidents continue despite constitutional provisions granting Sikhs the right to wear Kakaars. He also questioned why Amritdhari Sikh employees are being stopped from wearing Kakars at airports, asking whether this is not an infringement on Sikh rights and religious freedom.
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj appealed to all Sikhs to unite under the Nishan Sahib of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, stating that if Sikhs stand united, they can never be weak. He emphasized the need for unity among Sikhs in Punjab, the homeland of the Khalsa Panth, and called for collective efforts for the progress and flourishing of Sikhi. He also encouraged Punjabi youth to maintain their Sabat Soorat (with unshorn hair) Sikh identity and stay away from drugs, urging zero tolerance towards substance abuse. He urged all Sikhs to continuously raise their voice for the release of Bandi Singhs.