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Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns murder of Punjab influencer ‘Kamal Kaur Bhabi'; rejects Akal Takht priest's justification, says violence has no place in Sikhism
Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns murder of Punjab influencer ‘Kamal Kaur Bhabi'; rejects Akal Takht priest's justification, says violence has no place in Sikhism

Time of India

time19-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns murder of Punjab influencer ‘Kamal Kaur Bhabi'; rejects Akal Takht priest's justification, says violence has no place in Sikhism

Punjab influencer Kamal Kaur Bhabi MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Sikh Association (MSA) strongly condemned the recent killing of young social media influencer Kanchan Tiwari, also popularly known as Kamal Kaur Bhabi in Punjab. The association also rejected the statement made by a senior functionary of the Akal Takht, who appeared to condone the influencer's murder. "We strongly denounce this act of violence and any attempt to justify it in the name of faith. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings are clear—reform must come through compassion, not coercion. This murder is a tragic failure of dialogue and restraint. Such actions have no place in a civilised or spiritual society," said Bal Malkit Singh, Convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association (MSA). Tiwari was killed for allegedly promoting "obscenity and vulgarity in society" through her social media posts. Singh stated that his organisation acknowledges the content shared by the victim may have raised genuine concerns among some sections of society regarding values and public decency, but there is absolutely no justification for murder. The justification of the murder by a senior priest of the Akal Takht has also drawn criticism. "If someone finds a social media influencer's content inappropriate or damaging to societal values, there are constitutional and moral ways to express concern—through counselling, constructive engagement, legal remedies, and community awareness. Taking the law into one's own hands or promoting violence goes completely against the spirit of Sikhism," the statement said.

Sikhs in Mumbai laud railway ministry's extension of Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Express up to Nanded
Sikhs in Mumbai laud railway ministry's extension of Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Express up to Nanded

Time of India

time15-06-2025

  • Time of India

Sikhs in Mumbai laud railway ministry's extension of Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Express up to Nanded

Mumbai: In a long-standing demand from the Sikh community , the railway ministry has approved the extension of Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Express up to Nanded. Bal Malkit Singh, convenor of Maharashtra Sikh Association, said: "The Vande Bharat will help devotees who undertake pilgrimages to Hazur Sahib, Nanded, one of the five takhts of the Sikh faith, where Guru Gobind Singhji spent his final days. This is a moment of satisfaction for the entire Sikh community and Guru Nanak Seva Sangat. For many years, we pursued this demand with commitment and unity. We thank the Prime Minister, central and state govts, and the railway board for recognising the religious, cultural, and national importance of Hazur Sahib, Nanded." Sources said train number 20705 will depart from Nanded at 5am and reach Mumbai by 2.25pm, while train number 20706 will leave from Mumbai at 1.10pm and arrive in Nanded by 10.50pm. Mumbai: In a long-standing demand from the Sikh community, the railway ministry has approved the extension of Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Express up to Nanded. Bal Malkit Singh, convenor of Maharashtra Sikh Association, said: "The Vande Bharat will help devotees who undertake pilgrimages to Hazur Sahib, Nanded, one of the five takhts of the Sikh faith, where Guru Gobind Singhji spent his final days. This is a moment of satisfaction for the entire Sikh community and Guru Nanak Seva Sangat. For many years, we pursued this demand with commitment and unity. We thank the Prime Minister, central and state govts, and the railway board for recognising the religious, cultural, and national importance of Hazur Sahib, Nanded. " Sources said train number 20705 will depart from Nanded at 5am and reach Mumbai by 2.25pm, while train number 20706 will leave from Mumbai at 1.10pm and arrive in Nanded by 10.50pm.

Maharashtra plans state wide events to mark 350th martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Maharashtra plans state wide events to mark 350th martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Time of India

time15-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Maharashtra plans state wide events to mark 350th martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

MUMBAI: Maharashtra will hold year-long, state-wide events to mark the 350th martyrdom of the 9th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, beginning in November. At a meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, representatives of the Sikh community and senior govt officials discussed preparations to make the events memorable. Sant Gyani Harnam Singh Khalsa, Pradahan of Sant Samaj, was among the Sikh representatives who attended the meeting. 'This event of religious tolerance and national consciousness is of immense importance to the country,' Khalsa said. PM Narendra Modi, HM Amit Shah, and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath are expected to attend three major gatherings at Nanded, Nagpur, and Mumbai Metropolitan Region, respectively. 'This historic event will help Maharashtra reaffirm its reputation as a symbol of cultural consciousness, religious tolerance, and national integrity. We are glad the CM is taking personal interest in making the events memorable,' said Bal Malkit Singh, Convenor, Maharashtra Sikh Association and Director of the state-level organising committee of the events. Malkit Singh added that the events will not only create awareness about the Guru's life and works but will also help foster love, peace and communal harmony. Fadnavis said that a special booklet on the life and values of Guru Tegh Bahadur will be published in Hindi, Punjabi, and Marathi to propagate the story of the Guru's life and sacrifice and make the new generation aware of his values. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .

Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns outrageous statement of separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns outrageous statement of separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

Time of India

time04-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Time of India

Maharashtra Sikh Association condemns outrageous statement of separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

MUMBAI: The Sikh community strongly condemned the recent statements by separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun . In a recent interview with a Pakistani YouTuber, Pannun made an outrageous claim that two crore Sikhs, including those serving in the Indian armed forces , would side with Pakistan in the event of a war between India and Pakistan. "These statements, made at the behest of Pakistan's ISI, are not only misleading but entirely rejected by the Sikh community. His so-called movement failed globally, lacking both credibility and support. He does not represent Sikh ideology, which is firmly grounded in nationalism and respect for India's democratic fabric," said Bal Malkit Singh , Executive Chairman of the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy and Convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association . You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai He added that Sikhs in India stand irrevocably with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who "always respected and supported the community." Any malicious agenda promoted by Pakistani agents or their proxies will fail to break the unity of Indian Sikhs and will only further expose the illegitimacy of such nefarious designs. "The Sikh panth is built on the foundation of sacrifice, loyalty, and service to humanity. We reject every attempt by external forces to misrepresent our community. The Sikh spirit is inseparable from Indian nationalism . No propaganda, however well-funded, can ever divide us. We remain united with our nation and our leadership," added Bal Malkit Singh.

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