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New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
SGPC puts on hold decision to display ex-PM Manmohan Singh's portrait in museum at Golden Temple
CHANDIGARH: In a fresh controversy, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday decided to put on hold its decision to display a portrait of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the Central Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple complex. This comes after Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is currently in a Patiala jail after being convicted for the assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, objected to the move in a letter. SGPC Secretary Partap Singh said that in the recent meeting of the executive committee of the SGPC, the installation of Dr Manmohan Singh's portrait in the Central Sikh Museum was approved. "However, following objections raised by various groups, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has ordered the matter to be put on hold for the time being," he said, adding that the SGPC respects the sentiments of the Sikh community and believes that a general consensus is essential on the matter. He further said the decision regarding the portrait will be reconsidered in a future meeting of the executive committee. In his letter addressed to the SGPC, Rajoana expressed his opposition to the move, stating that Dr Manmohan Singh during his tenure as Prime Minister represented a political party that he termed responsible for atrocities against Sikhs.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh: An Army Officer who earned a place at Central Sikh Museum for saving Amritsar during 1965 war
A portrait of an Army officer, standing tall and looking resplendent in his uniform, adorns the walls of the Central Sikh Museum inside the Golden Temple premises in Punjab's Amritsar. The painting is of the late Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, a war hero credited with saving the city during the 1965 war with Pakistan. In November 2017, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had installed portraits of war heroes at the Central Sikh Museum, including Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora, and Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh. Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh found a place in the museum as the Sikh community believes that he saved the Golden Temple during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Born on October 1, 1913, in Badrukhan village near Sangrur in the princely state of Jind, Harbaksh Singh hailed from a rich farming family. His father, Harnam Singh, was the first doctor in their village and had served with valour in the Tirah Campaign (1897-98) and the East African campaign during World War I. Harbaksh Singh was commissioned into the Indian Army on July 15, 1935. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become the general officer commanding-in-chief of Western Command, playing a pivotal role during the 1965 war. During the conflict, Pakistan launched a massive surprise offensive on the Amritsar and Dera Baba Nanak sectors. The story passed down through generations in Punjab is that, alarmed by the scale of the attack by Pakistan, the Army leadership in Delhi ordered a retreat behind the Beas River — a move that would have left Amritsar and the Darbar Sahib at risk of being overrun. Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh defied the order. His leadership proved decisive. The Indian forces held their position, repelled the Pakistani assault, and safeguarded Punjab from deeper incursion. Though some attempted to question his insubordination after the war, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri firmly stood by Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, recognising his judgment and valour. In 1966, the government honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. In 2016, then SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar, while announcing that his portrait would be installed at the Central Sikh Museum, said, 'Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, who was commandant of the Army unit, showed exemplary confidence during the war and played a key role in defeating Pakistani troops. It was due to him that Pakistan could not touch Amritsar. Otherwise, his seniors from Delhi had ordered him to step back to the Beas river — but he did not take these orders and stood his ground to fight Pakistan. Because he knew that stepping back would mean giving Amritsar to Pakistan. His bravery is a source of inspiration for youth. This is why we have decided to install his portrait at the Central Sikh Museum (Golden Temple) to pay tribute to him.' On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war on September 9, 2015, the Punjab government had invited and honoured Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh's daughter, Harmala Kaur, at Asal Uttar in Tarn Taran district. Speaking to The Indian Express after the event, she had said, 'My father has written an autobiography; his contribution cannot be ignored. It is true that sometimes politics gets in the way…but he was always sure that he was in the right position to take the right decision at that time.' Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh's story has become folklore in the border districts, and he was the inspiration behind the Nishan-e-Sikhi Institute of Science and Training (NSIST) at Khadur Sahib in Tarn Taran district, where youth are trained to join the Army. Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh passed away on November 14, 1999, but his legacy lives on in the Darbar Sahib premises.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maharashtra Sikhs celebrate SGPC's decision to honour Dr Manmohan Singh at Central Sikh Museum in Amritsar
MUMBAI: Sikhs in the city and state have reasons to celebrate the recent decision of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee ( SGPC ), also known as the mini "parliament of the Sikhs" due to the important roles it plays in the life of the community. The SGPC has decided to honour former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by placing his portrait in the Central Sikh Museum , Amritsar . As the first Sikh to serve as India's Prime Minister, Dr Singh's tenure was marked by dignity, integrity, and visionary economic leadership. The decision to place his portrait at the iconic Central Sikh Museum in Amritsar, where Dr Singh now shares space with several legends of the community throughout history, reflects a profound acknowledgment of the eminent economist-politician's remarkable contributions to the country and the global Sikh community. "This is a moment of immense pride for Sikhs across the world. Dr Manmohan Singh not only brought honour to the Sikh identity on the world stage but also upheld the highest ideals of humility, intellect, and service throughout his public life. SGPC's decision is a fitting tribute to his legacy and an inspiration for future generations," said Bal Malkit Singh, Convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association. He hoped that this honour would motivate youths who would draw strength from such exemplary role models. He added that Dr Manmohan Singh's appeal cut across people of ideological differences. His statesman-like persona placed him in the league of great leaders. He deserved to be among the pantheon of legends in the Sikh community.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Former PM Manmohan Singh's portrait to be displayed at Golden Temple museum
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced to install portraits of various Sikh personalities, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, at the Central Sikh Museum in Golden Temple complex. A meeting of the SGPC executive committee, chaired by president Harjinder Singh Dhami, was held at the gurdwara body's head office on Tuesday. The committee also discussed the three-page letter to the SGPC written by Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict on death row in the Beant Singh assassination case. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dhami stated the SGPC will soon take a decision on the mercy petition filed by Sikh body in Rajoana's case. He said Rajoana had written about the discrimination faced by Sikhs at the hands of governments. The letter also mentions Rajoana's request to withdraw the mercy petition filed by SGPC on his behalf. Calling it a matter of community's concern, Dhami said the SGPC is making efforts to build a consensus by holding consultations with Panthic representative bodies, Nihung Singh groups, and Sikh sects. Two meetings have already taken place, and another meeting is scheduled for May 17 in Chandigarh with Sikh judges and lawyers. After that, a representative Panthic gathering will be convened, and a decision will be made in line with Panthic sentiment. Dhami also said the SGPC has decided to give ₹5 lakh aid to the families of four Sikhs killed recently in an attack in Poonch, Jammu, amid India-Pakistan conflict. He also announced plans for beautification of the path from Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Langar Hall to Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib at Sri Harmandar Sahib complex, including planting trees on both sides to create a lush and shaded environment for devotees. This service will be undertaken by Kar Sewa Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale. Additionally, he informed that the SGPC executive committee approved the display of portraits of Giani Mohan Singh (ex-head granthi of Harmandar Sahib), former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh, Baba Inderjit Singh Raqbewale, Baba Bishan Singh (Tarna Dal, Baba Bakala), and SGPC member Randhir Singh Cheema at the Central Sikh Museum.
