AMRITSAR SAHIB—After having issued a Hukamnama from Sri Akal Takht, it seems the leadership of the Five Takhts is set to work on freeing Gurdwaras from the clutches of the caste system. A meeting is going to take place today at Sri Akal Takht Sahib in which the Jathedars will chalk out the strategy and discuss the issue of caste based Gurdwaras. Caste based Gurdwaras are prevalent all over—not only in Punjab but also worldwide.
At first, it seems that the leadership will tackle the caste based Gurdwaras located inside Punjab, especially those in the plans to be built or being constructed currently. Interestingly, edicts have been issued from Akal Takht Sahib in the past that bar caste based Gurdwaras, but they have been largely ignored. In particular, political parties across Punjab have played a big role in supporting caste based Gurdwaras to woo voters of different communities.
What decisions the Takht Jathedars take will be interesting as the issue of caste has long separated the Sikh community. This is also the reason that many followers of the Sikh religion have strayed into Dehdhari Gurudom.
According to a statement by Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, he had received complaints that some Gurdwaras bar entrance to people based on their caste. He had labeled this as utterly disappointing. As per Sikh beliefs, all humans should be treated equal and anyone could pay homage at any Gurdwara.
In the past, Takht leadership has passed various ‘Gurmattas’ (edicts) based on Gurmat, but they have not been implemented due to a lack of parchaar. The chairs and tables hukamnama was one that was passed by Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh, the last traditionally chosen Jathedar, but it was not properly implemented and led to further division in the community. Sikh Sangat is now largely split on the basis of caste, so what decisions the Jathedars take will be interesting to follow.
Are Jathedars independents or Govt. instructed employees.