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Indian Express
30-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
With Pak not an option, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary marked at Summer Palace
Under the patronage of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) organised a special religious function at the historic Hawa Mahal (Summer Palace), located in the renowned Rambagh of Amritsar, on Sunday to observe the death anniversary of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The event included recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib, followed by Kirtan by Jatha of Bhai Sukhjeet Singh Baba Bakala, Dhadi Vaar by Bhai Gurbhej Singh Chawinda, and Kavishri by Bhai Sucha Singh Dera Pathana — connecting the congregation with the Gurbani and Sikh history. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj shared that considering the demand from the sangat and the current year's restrictions on Sikh jathas travelling from India to Pakistan for observing the anniversary under Shimla Samjhauta, he had suggested to SGPC to organise this event at Rambagh. He expressed gratitude to SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and the Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib management for their support in holding this programme. Massive enthusiasm was shown at the congregation at Rambagh, a site of Sikh heritage. Participants included devotees from across Punjab and Amritsar, representatives of social and Sikh organisations, student bodies, and distinguished personalities. Prominent attendees included Kulwinder Singh (former head of History Department, Punjabi University), Baldeep Singh Ramuwalia, Sarabjeet Singh Ghuman, S Rajinder Singh Marwaha (Chief Khalsa Diwan), and Gangvir Rathore (Aalmi Punjabi Sangat) among others. Addressing the gathering , Jathedar Gargajj stressed on the urgent need to preserve Sikh heritage buildings not only in Western Punjab, but also in Eastern Punjab so that future generations can inherit history related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He pledged to work towards holding annual commemorative events at Rambagh Hawa Mahal on both the birth and the death anniversaries of Maharaja Ranjit Singh through the SGPC. Speaking to the media, Jathedar Gargajj noted Maharaja Ranjit Singh was deeply devoted to Khalsa Panth, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and Sri Guru Ramdas Ji. He offered gold to adorn Sri Harmandir Sahib as well as extended similar reverence to Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Sunehri Mosque. After building his palace in Amritsar, he named the surrounding garden 'Rambagh' in honour of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji. Jathedar Gargajj remarked that holding a Gurmat Samagam at this location after a long time, under the auspices of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, was a blessing from the Guru. He also noted SGPC arranged the poshak (robe) for the Nishan Sahib installed at Rambagh.
Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
No tobacco, bidi, paan, or halal shops to run in Mohali, says acting Akal Takht jathedar Gargajj
The acting jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, Sunday declared that no shops selling tobacco, bidi, paan, or halal meat will be allowed to operate in the Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) region. Speaking at Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan, Sohana, during a special prayer event organised by the Gurdwara Management Committee for world peace and an end to Indo-Pak tensions, Jathedar Gargajj emphasised, 'Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) is the sacred land of martyrs, and it must remain pure. The district administration will soon be asked to shut down such shops.' Expressing concern over the growing social challenges faced by native Punjabis, Jathedar Gargajj urged the Sikh community to strengthen internal unity. 'The Sikh Panth must prioritise unity to face future challenges effectively,' he said. He referred to the recent killing of two youths in Mohali's Kumbra village, reportedly by migrant Punjabis, calling it a 'wake-up call for our existence in our own homeland', He stressed the need for the community to 'set aside divisions and unite to prevent such inhumane incidents in the future'. On this occasion, the Gurdwara Management Committee honoured Jathedar Gargajj for his guidance and contribution to social causes. Parvinder Singh Sohana, senior Akali Dal leader from Mohali, thanked the Jathedar for his direction and commitment to Panthic service.'With strong leadership, the Sikh community will overcome all challenges,' he said. Other dignitaries present included Committee president Harjinder Singh, vice-president Satwinder Singh, members Jarnail Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Akali Dal spokesperson Shamsher Purkhalvi, chairman Jasbir Singh Jassa, leaders Sukhwinder Singh Chhindi, Billa Chhajjumajra, Harvinder Singh Lambardar, Advocate Gagandeep Singh, former Sarpanch Gurpreet Singh, Captain Ramandeep Singh Bawa, Lambardar Harinder Singh Sukhgarh, Jatinder Singh JP, and Kuldeep Singh.
