AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—Pakistan government has nominated 10 new members of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) that manages affairs of Pakistan based historical Sikh shrines. However, the president of the body is yet to be selected resulting in further delay of conducting the much awaited World Sikh Convention (WSC) on the Nanakshahi Calender dispute.
In a collaborating Sikh organizations from across the world, PSGPC had resolved to organize the World Sikh Convention to discuss the sensitive issue of the Nanakshahi Calender at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib. At the first stage, the convention was decided to be held on the Parkash Gurpurb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. After that the date was extended to November 11. Now, it has been postponed further.
PSGPC member Gopal Singh said that the convention would be conducted only after selecting a president. Former president of the Gurdwara body Bishan Singh said Sikh organizations of the world including Jathedars of Five Takhts, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) would be invited for the convention.
The row over the Nanakshahi Calender has continued since its creation. Under pressure by the Sant Samaj led by Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma (Damdami Taksal Mehta), the SGPC has adopted the amended Nanakshahi Calender which is quite similar to the Hindus fluctuating Bikrami Calendar with major events and holidays of both coinciding for convenience sake. Sincere segments of Sikhs have opposed the SGPC move alleging that it fulfills the agenda of Rashtrya Swaym Sewak Sangh (RSS). However the SGPC has not withdrawn its decision. On the other hand, PSGPC has been following the original Nanakshahi Calender of fixed dates that represents the separate identity of the Sikh religion.
