SGPC's Sole Right: A Historic Commemoration Debate
The SGPC president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, insists that the SGPC alone should organize events for Guru Teg Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary. The government proposed parallel events, but Dhami stresses SGPC's historic role and the state's supportive duty. Emphasis is on religious sanctity and collaborative tradition.
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The president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, affirmed that the responsibility of organizing the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur rests exclusively with the SGPC, and not the state government.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains declared plans by the state to host a series of commemorative events from November 19 to 25. He noted efforts to include the SGPC in their initiatives but reported resistance. Dhami, however, underlined that the SGPC, supported by Sikh organizations and the wider 'sangat', should conduct all religious centenary events.
Dhami highlighted that the government's primary role is logistical support, not interference. Historical precedents, like the Bihar government's approach during Guru Gobind Singh's 350th birth anniversary, were cited. The SGPC welcomes infrastructure developments but rejects any parallel events threatening historical religious cohesion.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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