SGPC sets up panel to ‘rewrite’ Sikh history

Amritsar, January 17
In a significant move, the SGPC has set up a five-member panel, comprising Sikh intellectuals, to “rewrite” the Sikh history after thoroughly exploring the subject afresh. The decision was reached in a meeting of the SGPC executive committee held in Chandigarh recently.

In a statement released here today, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said the committee comprised of Punjabi University VC Dr Jaspal Singh, Dr Prithipal Singh Kapoor, Dr Kirpal Singh, Dr JS Grewal, and Dr Indu Banga. SGPC secretary Roop Singh will be the coordinator of the panel. Makkar attributed the move to the demand from Sikh sangat and various religious groups from India and abroad in this regard. He said the decision was taken in view of the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Though Makkar could not be contacted for further details, sources in the SGPC said the idea was at a nascent stage and nothing had been finalised yet. The sources, however, said the Sikh history would be rewritten in 10 volumes, of which the first two would dwell on the life and the times of the Sikh gurus, while the remaining eight volumes will be about Sikh history in the British era, which will include the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Elections

SAD (B) to release manifesto today
New Delhi, January 17
Intensifying the SAD (Badal) campaign for elections to the 46-member general house of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) slated for January 27, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today addressed eminent Sikhs working in various spheres in the national Capital.

In a gathering of over 100 people, comprising businessmen, educationists, former Army officers, among others, Badal, speaking in Punjabi, urged the Sikhs to vote in the elections. “You people are the voice of the community. I request you to vote for change in order to better the prevailing situation. If people think that they do not want to participate, they would not be doing justice to the Sikh community,” said the CM.

He said the manifesto of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) will be released tomorrow on the occasion of Gurpurb (Guru Gobind Singh’s birth anniversary). The SAD (Badal) is going all out to wrest control of the cash-rich and powerful Delhi gurdwaras from the Sarna brothers -- Paramjit Singh and Harvinder Singh -- who are of the SAD (Delhi). They have been at the helm for a decade.

“The ruling party has disgraced the community by violating the rules of Akal Takht several times. There have been complaints of corruption and outsider involvement in the management of gurdwaras. Change need to be brought for protecting the rights of the community,” said Badal.

Talking on the deteriorating level of DSGMC controlled schools, Badal said that they once used to be the benchmark in the field of education. “During our regime in the committee, the schools used to give tough competition to public schools. But now, no parent wants to opt for them,” said Badal.

With the entire leadership of SAD (Badal) camping in the national capital, campaigning has intensified for election to the 46-member general house of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee slated for January 27. Though the issues are unrelated, this election might set the trend for the assembly elections in Delhi due later this year.