BHAINI—Former hazoor ragi Sri Darbar Sahib, Bhai Nirmal Singh “Khalsa” has offered clarification after attending a program at Bhaini, the Namdhari headquarters. Pleading alleged innocence in the case, Bhai Nirmal Singh has stated that his ragi jatha visited the institution after they were invited to receive awards for their service towards propagating Gurmat sangeet.
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I was not aware that the pseudo-cult leader sat on an elevated stage, we had only gone there to receive the award,” said Bhai Nirmal Singh in a handwritten press note. He added, “When we arrived there, ‘sangat’ that was present in large numbers requested us to perform kirtan and we had no option but to recite shabads there.”
Bhai Nirmal Singh has stated that he is committed to the Khalsa Panth and has always opposed self-styled Gurus.
Although there is a ban over Namdharis performing kirtan in Gurdwaras by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, no such mandate has been issued over Sikhs attending and doing kirtan on Namdhari stages. Namdharis are known to have teachers with superior classical music skills, however some of their practices do not align with Sikh traditions.
Many Sikhs feel the Akal Takht Sahib should offer clarification over how much Sikhs can communicate with the Namdharis, considering their continued defiance of Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s superiority. A number of renowned Sikh kirtanis, including “Shiromani Ragi” Bhai Balbir Singh and late Bhai Avtar Singh “Delhi” are known to have close relations with Namdharis.
While a large number of Sikhs have no day to day relations with the cult, many Sikh Ragis continue to take training there. Although Bhai Nirmal Singh has offered his apologies, many ask if he had the right to accept the award from a fake Guru, that he himself considers a self-styled cultist.
Apology letter issued by Bhai Nirmal Singh –
Following website offers insight into how Namdharis are no longer part of the mainstream Sikh Nation: http://www.namdharitruth.info/
