Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Amritsar, More than 70 gurdwara committees in the US, under the aegis of American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC), have shot off a letter to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, demanding “independent status” for the Takht Jathedars.
The AGPC coordinator, Dr Pritpal Singh, said these gurdwara committees were responding to the “unceremonious removal” of the Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar, Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh. He said the Jathedar was “dethroned from his post recently owing to his stand on the Nanakshahi calendar.”
The letter, signed by 73 Sikh societies and gurdwara committees, states: “We want that the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht and other Jathedars are autonomous in taking decisions and are allowed to hold their independent viewpoint.”
It asks the Akal Takht chief to ensure that the Jathedars hold an independent office and do not work under political or any other pressure. It also states that some political parties and institutions are working against the interest of the Sikhs by controlling the institutions of the Takht.
“The Jathedars should not be dishonoured by being removed on the wishes of political masters,” the letter reads. Meanwhile, the SGPC today nominated members to the panel constituted to frame service rules for the Jathedars. Talking to mediapersons, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar said the committee would comprise Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Dr Jaspal Singh, Dr Kirpal Singh from Chandigarh, Dr Prithipal Singh Kapoor, Dr Balwant Singh Dhillon from Guru Nanak Dev Unversity and Dr Balkar Singh from Patiala.
Dalmegh Singh, SGPC secretary, has been appointed coordinator.
