Akal Takht invites Dhadrianwale to clarify stance on charges against him
Officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has extended an invitation to preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale to clarify his stance over the allegations of distortion of Sikh principles in his discourses in the past.
Giani Gargaj has clarified that all Sikh personalities, whose cases were currently pending at the Akal Takht, were welcome.
“Not only Dhadrianwale, other Sikh figures who wish to work within the mainstream of the Khalsa Panth for preaching the Sikhism, the doors of the Akal Takht are always open to them, provided they come to the Guru’s court with a spirit of humility and surrender, adhering to the philosophy and principles of the Gurus,” he said.
On August 24, 2020, the five high priests led by the then officiating Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh had passed a ‘hukumnama’, boycotting Dhadrianwale unless he sought clemency for his “objectionable" remarks. He has not appeared before the Akal Takht for clarification.
Dhadrianwale had reportedly refused to meet a subcommittee that was set up by the Akal Takht to probe his distorted statements on Sikh history and misinterpretation of Sikh principles during his religious discourses.
On the basis of the sub-committee’s report, Giani Harpreet Singh had indicted him and directed the Sikh community across the world not to attend his congregation, listen to him or share his videos on the social media until he apologised for his remarks.
Giani Gargaj has given a call to all Sikh bodies, including the Damdami Taksal, Nihang Singh jathebandis, SGPC, Sikh organisations and missionary colleges, to come on one platform unitedly to strengthen the Sikh faith.
“It has been necessitated, especially in the light of the current situation when instances of religious conversions, including in Punjab, are being reported,” he said.
Giani Gargaj also announced that a special gathering under the patronage of the Akal Takht had been scheduled on May 2, to discuss the matter of films and animated movies made on the Sikh Gurus, their family members, historical Sikh warriors/martyrs and various aspects of the Sikh history.
‘Will appear after return from abroad’
Responding to the call of Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Dhadrianwale said he would consider meeting the Singh Saheb (Giani Gargaj) after his return from abroad, to put forth his point of view. In a video message, he said his statements were morphed and allegations were levelled against him on frivolous grounds. He said he would like to join the Sikh propagation campaign being carried out by Giani Gargaj as it was the need of the hour to channelise the Punjab youth in the right direction.
Bibi Jagir Kaur in spotlight
Former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur has come under spotlight for reportedly sharing stage with Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale during the opening of a new branch of his dera at Nadala village in Kapurthala district on April 19. BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh has approached the Akal Takht urging to summon Jagir Kaur, now SGPC member, allegedly defiance of the Akal Takht directions.
Punjab