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2mo ago

New Jathedar Installed at Takht Kesgarh Sahib Following Leadership Dispute

Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj assumes dual leadership roles amid internal dissent and calls for Sikh unity.

Giani Raghbir Singh is among the jathedars who have been removed recently by the SGPC. (HT file)
Newly appointed acting jathedar of Akal Takht and jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj at Akal Takht in Amritsar on Monday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT)
Leaders of Nihang groups addressing mediapersons in Amritsar on Sunday. (HT Photo)
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, 40, being honoured after he was installed as the jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib at Sri Anandpur Sahib in the presence of the ‘Panj Pyare (five beloved ones of the Guru)’ of Akal Takht at 2.45am, seven hours before schedule, on Monday. (HT Photo)

Overview

  • Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was installed as Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib in a secret early-morning ceremony to avoid disruptions from protesting Nihang groups and dissenting Sikh organizations.
  • The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also appointed Gargaj as acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal authority, following the controversial removal of his predecessors.
  • The SGPC's decision to sack the previous Jathedars has sparked internal dissent within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), with several leaders opposing the move and facing potential disciplinary actions.
  • Giani Gargaj called for unity within the Sikh community, addressing challenges such as political fragmentation, social issues like drug abuse, and the erosion of religious values.
  • Criticism of the SGPC's decision has come from both domestic and international Sikh organizations, citing concerns over the integrity and sanctity of Sikh leadership positions.