AMRITSAR: Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has called upon Sikh religious and political factions to overcome their differences and unite on a common platform to safeguard Sikh institutions and advance the interests of the community and Punjab.
Delivering the traditional Bandi Chhor Divas message from the Darshani Deori of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Jathedar said pursuing separate paths would weaken collective efforts, while unity would enable the community to confront its challenges effectively.
Invoking the Sikh principle of Miri-Piri, which brings together spiritual and temporal responsibility, he urged Panthic organisations to build consensus and mutual respect. He identified the Sikh Rehat Maryada approved by Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a shared foundation for unity.
His appeal extended to gurdwara managements abroad, where, he said, internal disputes were consuming community resources through costly litigation. Such funds should instead support religious education, propagation of the Sikh faith and community welfare.
The Jathedar cautioned against attempts to weaken Sikh institutions and government interference in gurdwara management, stressing the need for a united response to challenges facing the Panth.
Calling for collective efforts to secure the release of Sikh prisoners, he urged the community to raise its voice for those who, he said, remained incarcerated despite completing their sentences. He also sought the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, Jagtar Singh Hawara, Jagtar Singh Tara, Paramjit Singh Bheora, Gurdip Singh Khera and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar.
He said that if governments failed to respond sincerely, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee should prepare a special action plan in consultation with the wider Sikh community.
Placing Punjab’s youth at the centre of his message, Giani Gargaj urged religious and community organisations to work together against drug abuse by reconnecting young people with Gurbani and Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He also called for quality education and collective efforts to ensure that no child remained uneducated.
The Jathedar appealed to Sikhs abroad to help fourth- and fifth-generation families maintain their connections with Punjab, their ancestral villages and Sri Harmandir Sahib. He urged them to uphold the dignity of the Sikh articles of faith and act responsibly to protect the community’s reputation.
Expressing concern over the declining Sikh population in India, he encouraged families to consider the community’s future while remaining guided by Gurbani.
He described restrictions on wearing the kirpan at Indian airports and requirements to remove Sikh articles of faith during competitive examinations as violations of religious and human rights.
The Jathedar also sought the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor without delay and easier access to Sikh shrines separated from the community. He emphasised preserving, in their original form, heritage associated with the Sikh Gurus, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire and Sikh martyrs.
Calling for protection of Punjab’s land and natural resources, he urged tree planting and measures to prevent water pollution.
Concluding his address, Giani Gargaj appealed to Sikhs to reject superstition and claims of living gurus, recognise Sri Guru Granth Sahib as their Guru, and face challenges together as one family in the spirit of chardi kala.
Earlier, devotees from India and abroad paid obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib on Bandi Chhor Divas. Head Granthi Giani Amarjit Singh extended greetings to the congregation and urged devotees to follow the teachings of the Gurus.